About 70 people gathered at Ocean City High School on Tuesday for a panel discussion on student mental health.
About 70 people gathered in the library at Ocean City High School on Tuesday to hear a panel presentation on all the resources available to help students struggling with mental health, drug and other issues.
The event was organized in the aftermath of the second suicide of an Ocean City High School student within a year, and it highlighted programs already in place and the continuing effort to expand them.
Five professionals explained how students, friends, teachers and parents can recognize kids at risk and to get them help.
After the presentation, the professionals were available for one-on-one questions with parents while refreshments were served.
The panel was the first in what will be a series of similar presentations, School Superintendent Kathleen Taylor said.
At the same time, the school is forming an ad hoc committee of volunteers from throughout different parts of the community to address the issue. Taylor said 55 people have already expressed interest, and she welcomed others to volunteer.
Noel Hiers of the Traumatic Loss Coalition said she interacts with youth at risk on a daily basis.
" 'Are you thinking about killing yourself?' just rolls off my tongue," Hiers said.
"But that can be a terrifying question for parents to ask."
She said if it is, parents should seek help.
That was the theme of the presentations — that there's a lot of support inside and outside the school system.
Lauren Sacs, the new student assistance coordinator in the district, and Tifaya-Nazja Noble, the new school social worker for mental health, outlined what the district does in terms of prevention and education, identifying students at risk and accepting confidential referrals, and providing assistance.
Sacs (609-814-8706 or
[email protected]) and Noble (609-814-8753, ext. 8756) are available to answer any questions about any resources or processes related to student mental health.
They also referenced Perform Care as a source of assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-877-652-7624,
www.performcarenj.org.
