Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death in young adults? In an effort to create awareness as well as educate the students of our school, Thursday, September 29th, at lunch, the Guidance Office will be hosting our school’s first-ever Suicide Prevention Awareness Resource Fair. Local vendors will be set up, and a mood meter will be displayed, which will help students develop the skills of recognizing, understanding, and expressing emotions. Ten community vendors will be on campus to showcase the services they offer and their support for the youth community.  The Source LGBTQ+, Kings View, Parenting Network, and The Family Crisis Center, are just a few of the vendors that will be at the event with displays for and resources on ways individuals can seek help. PHS Dean of Counseling, Ms. Vanessa Salas is excited to host the first event of this kind and its potential, “I think this (the event) will be effective because we (PHS) haven’t had an event like this on campus since I’ve been here- that’s ten years. I feel that it’s great to bring awareness to the subject for all students so that they know there is support out there, there’s help. The bottom line is for students to know they are not alone.”

• September is the month to raise awareness about suicide and focus on directing those who need help, as many lives are affected by it. 
• 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide
• 9% of high school students have made an attempt to take their own life
• The US holds one of the highest suicide mortality rates among wealthy nations.

Coming together and understanding ways to improve our mental health can cause these numbers to decrease worldwide. 

If you or a friend or loved one is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

*Statistics and information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness and UCLA Health