The Signs of Suicide (SOS) is a nationally recognized suicide prevention program offered by The Center for Suicide Prevention and Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. For the past six years, London City Schools has partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to bring the Signs of Suicide or SOS program to students in 5th, 8th and 10th grades. The program has been noted to decrease suicide attempts by students, increase the ability of participants to identify signs and symptoms of depression and respond in a way that keeps students safe, and encourage students to seek help for themselves or a friend.
The program is built on the premise that suicide is preventable and focuses on the following protocols:
Acknowledge there is a serious concern;
Care: Show the person you Care;
Tell a trusted adult.
The 8th-grade program will take place on October 4th and 5th, while the 10th grade is scheduled for October 25th and 26th. Fifth-grade students will participate on November 9th and 10th. Any student currently enrolled in the London Unlimited program will have an opportunity to participate if so desired. Informational letters have begun to be sent home. Included in this information is an option for parents to have their students opt out of the program.