Written by Tanya Terry
According to the CDC, in 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34. It was also among the top nine leading causes of death for people ages 10-64.
In addition, Carrie Chanter, director of prevention, health and wellness at Genesee Health System (GHS), pointed out suicide is becoming more of a concern in the Black community, which was previously more protected from this very serious matter.
Genesee Health System (GHS) and Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) are bringing the Hope Squad-a nationally recognized, evidence-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention training program-to local school districts.
This two-day program trained school advisors on August 15 and 16 at the Genesee Intermediate School District, at 2413 W. Maple Avenue. These advisors will, in turn, teach students to be ambassadors to work with their fellow classmates who are having mental health difficulties.
The Courier talked to Chanter and Steven Tunnicliff, superintendent of Genesee Intermediate School District, about the program and its importance.
According to Tunnicliff, the advisors are individuals from interested districts. These advisors may be counselors, social workers or teachers.
“But they’re trusted adults in their school buildings, and they are being trained on the model that will help support students who will be trained in the ability to recognize and support peers that are potentially struggling, that are reaching out for support,” added Tunnicliff.
The advisors are peer-nominated through a process. They put together a “hope squad” of students who may meet once a month. There is a curriculum of lessons the students receive with the goal of learning warning sides for potential suicide and how to engage with students who may be contemplating suicide.
Tunnicliff noted this is not a model where the student is expected to fix something or become a counselor or therapist.
“Instead, what we’re looking for is for them to be able to recognize and connect with students, to connect them with the trusted adults and professionals in their building that can help address the need,” said Tunnicliff.
Tunnicliff noted local schools are hiring additional counselors and social workers. This program is one of a number of collaborations GISD has developed with GHS. He added this is not the “end-all solution to student mental health.”
“We know in Genesee County we lose at least about 55 people to suicide a year,” said Chanter, who believes this number is underreported.
“We do know from the last youth risk behavioral survey that was implemented in Genesee County that approximately 25% of high schoolers have seriously considered attempting suicide,” Chanter added. “That’s disturbing.”
Chanter explained that trauma for one kid might relate to a suicide attempt later, but it may not affect a different kid the same way.
“Some studies say people with adverse childhood traumas or adverse childhood experiences may have a higher risk of suicide,” noted Chanter. “Sometimes people say if you’ve had an attempt in your family, you might be at higher risk. There are certain groups that are at higher risk. We know that veterans are at higher risk. People who live in rural areas are higher risk, and certain ethnic groups are at higher risk of suicide. I do know that in the last 10 years, we have seen the African American population for suicide, which has been traditionally a protected group from suicide. African American youth suicide has skyrocketed in the last 10 years. We know that that is a high-priority population for sure!”
In addition, those who abuse certain substances and those with mental health diagnoses are at higher risk for suicide typically.
“But honestly, it’s just different for everybody.”
Chanter said a typical warning sign for suicide might be a change in what makes a person happy.
“They may start using increased substance or removing themselves from a normally enjoyable things. A lot of times, people have stories of them giving away possessions….There may also be large mood swings.”
Interested Genesee County school districts can still take part in the Hope Squad program.
For the GHS 24 Hour Crisis Hotline, call 810-257-3740.
