Schools to offer prevention programs

LEBANON — As the result of receiving a Lebanon Optimist Club grant, the Suicide Prevention Coalition is partnering with Lebanon Junior High and Lebanon High School to provide prevention programming to staff and students.

The programs are intended to enable school staff to effectively identify students who are exhibiting signs of depression, which can lead to suicidal behavior.

Likewise, students will be educated on depression, effective coping skills and where to find help. Providing the school-wide system will ensure that students have trained school staff who are able to effectively and immediately deal such issues as they arise, according the coalition.

The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Warren and Clinton Counties convened in 2006 and has grown to include representatives from a multitude of social service agencies, law enforcement, governmental entities, and community members.

The goals are to enhance awareness and ultimately decrease the incidence of deaths by suicide and suicide attempts locally.