The New Jersey Department of Education has launched a powerful initiative to address youth mental health and prevent suicide among students.
With a $550,000 federal grant, the state is working to train educators to recognize signs of suicidal behavior and connect students to the help they need.
This program aligns with Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of expanding access to mental health resources for children and teens across the state.
- The New Jersey Department of Education awarded $550,000 to the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide to train educators in identifying and addressing signs of suicidal behavior in students.
- The program includes a statewide awareness campaign, online training for teachers, and a conference to share ideas and reduce mental health stigma.
- The initiative aims to create safer school environments by empowering educators to act early, provide support, and prevent youth suicides.
Grant Awarded to Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
The grant has been awarded to the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS), a nonprofit started by two fathers from Monmouth County who lost their children to suicide .
Over the next two years, the funding will support creating a campaign focused on raising awareness and providing the tools schools need to take action.
Program Focus Areas
This new program will focus on several areas:
- Awareness Campaign: The grant will fund a statewide campaign to educate the public about youth mental health and suicide prevention. It will spread the word about the help available to students and families.
- Online Training for Teachers: Educators across New Jersey can access training materials online. These tools will help them recognize warning signs of suicide and connect students to the proper support.
- Statewide Conference: The program will include bringing together teachers, mental health experts, community leaders, and others. This event will allow them to share ideas, learn from each other, and talk about ways to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
Governor Phil Murphy explained that youth mental health is a major priority for his administration.
He said it’s essential to create safe, supportive spaces for kids so they can thrive and avoid preventable tragedies.
Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer also stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, saying that giving teachers the proper training can build an environment where students feel cared for and understood.
Safer Schools, Brighter Futures
By understanding the signs of mental health struggles, educators can act early and help prevent tragedies.
Hopefully, the initiative will create schools where students feel secure, supported, and able to ask for help when needed.
For more details, check out the NJDOE’s Youth Mental Health resources and the Youth Suicide Prevention webpage.
You can also learn more about the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide on their website: sptsusa.org.
