Genetics, diet, trauma and stress are just a few factors that can affect the health of young people. They will be screened through the Dakota High School Family Night which focuses on youth suicide prevention.
The Dakota High School Family Night Out program, “It’s Real: Youth and Mental Health,” will be held on Feb. 1 from 6:30-8:30 pm Dinner will be served. The program will be held in the Dakota High School atrium on the campus, 21051 21 Mile Road in Macomb Township.
Dakota High School Student Services Specialist Stephanie Lange has seen many students recently seeking some form of mental health treatment, especially due to the disruption in their lives related to the pandemic.
“I would say, in my opinion, there are a lot of students who are speaking up for help,” Lange said.
However, he added that he doesn’t see more students seeking medical help as a bad thing, but as more students realizing that they can benefit from self-care methods.
“I’ve always felt that everyone can benefit from mental health counseling no matter where they are on their life journey,” Lange said.
The free program is open to all members of the community, but is designed for adults and youth at least seventh grade. It is sponsored by the Dakota High School Student Assistance Program and the Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families. RSVP is required by January 31st, and can be accessed via the QR code found at facebook.com/people/Dakota-High-School/100063691445379/. Questions can be directed to Lange at 586-723-2872, or slange@cvs.k12.mi.us. Early registration is encouraged, as Lange said the program has already drawn many people who want to discuss youth health.
Lange said this year a partnership was made with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an organization she has worked with in the past, and as soon as she reached out to them, she found out that their chairman is an ordinary person.
Lisa Matway, chair of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will discuss health topics, from signs of someone who needs help to self-care and how to help others. Tips and tricks will be given to talk to the person who has raised your anxiety, and how to take care of your mind, body, life and environment. Support will be provided and advice will be given to young people on how to approach trusted adults for mental health care.
Those attending the event will participate in small group discussions led by Dakota Student Assistance Program students. The participants received additional training in the health screening program.
We train them 90 minutes before the event. They come in early and are taught in small groups, usually two or three students at each table,” Lange said. “And they are given all the information to get the conversation going. And they are also told if there are red flags, for example, if someone says they are thinking about harming themselves or harming someone else, they find me or another school staff member who is on the scene. “
At the end of the mini-discussions, a representative from each table should summarize the main points their group discussed.
The event also coincides with a recent partnership with Ulliance at Chippewa Valley Schools. Ulliance provides K-12 school districts with access to mental health counseling and services. Lange said the agreement makes the district better positioned to provide more services and services.
“We will be talking about Ulliance at the event, and making sure there are flyers and information for participating families,” Lange said.
Superintendent Ron Roberts said last month that the district’s decision to acquire Ulliance services was based on a survey of parents who had fallen, and was approved by the Board of Education in the fall. More than 1,300 parents were asked about student mental health, and expressed interest in school-based support and access to student mental health services.
Ulliance provides support in addition to the support provided by school counselors, social workers, teachers and staff. The regional partnership with Ulliance provides support to students at no cost to them, providing 24/7 access to support and advice. Students in grades K-12 in the district are eligible to use the program. Information including phone numbers and links can be found at chippewavalleyschools.org/for-parents/mental-health-services—ulliance.
Ulliance offers regional students a variety of services, including long-term counseling, crisis intervention, and community resource recognition. One service offered through the program is a 24-hour hotline, provided by state-certified counselors. A student/parent website including videos, articles and information addressing many areas of health is provided. Another option through the program is long-term, five-session therapy delivered via phone, video surveillance or face-to-face.
