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Middle School Program

$495.00

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Designed for students in grades 6-8, the evidence-based Signs of Suicide (SOS) program for middle schools teaches students how to identify the signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers. It reduces stigma around mental health and suicide, and encourages help-seeking behaviors through the ACT technique (Acknowledge, Care, Tell). The Signs of Suicide program has shown a 64% reduction in self-reported suicide attempts.

Time to ACT Sample from Screening for Mental Health on Vimeo.

Product Details:

Implementation of the program in the classroom takes as little as one class period (about 50 minutes). First, students view a twenty-minute video that combines vignettes demonstrating the ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) message with discussion of the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide. After viewing, classroom facilitators guide the students in a discussion of the video, then students take a brief, validated screen for signs of depression and suicide and are given the opportunity to reach out via our Student Response Cards.

The Signs of Suicide program also contains resources for training faculty and staff on how to recognize when a student is in crisis and how to respond using the ACT protocol, including a training video, sample PowerPoint presentation, and access to our 90-minute online training module. The portal also comes with a login for parents, where they can preview program materials, learn about youth suicide prevention, and take an online mental health screening on behalf of their child.

Key Features

Set Up Assistance

A step-by-step implementation guide and comprehensive planning materials

Accessible Materials

An educational video and discussion guide for students

Lifesaving Tools

Tools to identify students in need: adolescent depression screening and response cards

Staff Outreach

Training video and associated materials for faculty and staff

Promotional Items

Printable posters, newsletters, wallet cards, and promotional materials

Parent Portal

Parent resources and outreach materials

After Implementing Signs of Suicide, Schools Reported:

97 ^%

believed students learned to identify signs of depression and suicide
95 ^%

felt there was reduced mental health stigma among students
90 ^%

saw an increase in students seeking help for themselves or a friend

Flexible

Short implementation time and flexible content allows you to adapt the program to best fit your school or community.

Evidence-Based

Proven to reduce self-reported suicide attempts by 64% in recent studies.

Self-Contained

No additional training or certification required to implement.

How long does the program take to implement?

The program can be implemented in the classroom in as little as one class period of about 50 minutes.
Our school doesn’t have the resources to implement with the entire student body. Can we still implement the program?

Yes! Many schools choose to implement with a single grade, or on a rolling basis so that they are not overwhelmed by students needing follow-up.
How many copies of the program do I need?

We recommend purchasing one copy of the program per school. While you have access to the program, you can download and print as many copies of program materials as you need for your students.
Do we need to purchase the program again every year?

The Signs of Suicide program operates on a subscription basis. Your initial purchase will give you access for one calendar year – after that, you can renew your program at our renewal price.
Can sites that aren’t schools implement the Signs of Suicide program?

Absolutely! Any professional organization that serves youth can purchase and implement the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program.
Do you need any credentials or training to implement the program?

No additional training or qualifications are needed to implement the Signs of Suicide program. We do offer some in-person trainings for schools or organizations looking for additional support – visit our Trainings page for more information.
I have a different question.

The Signs of Suicide team is always here to help! Give us a call at 781-239-0071, or send us an email at SOS@mindwise.org.

Signs of Suicide (SOS) Trainings

While additional training is not required to implement the Signs of Suicide program, we do offer comprehensive in-person trainings for program implementers and suicide prevention champions.

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