The Virginia Beach Central Academy (VBCA) is championing a youth suicide prevention effort by participating in the SOS Signs of Suicide Program for Secondary Schools. Developed by a national mental health organization, the SOS Program is a youth suicide prevention tool that has been effective in reducing and preventing suicide among high school students.

The VBCA, an alternative high school within the school division, will launch the program by hosting a “Parent Night” for VBCA parents, guardians and students. The launch will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6 at the school located at 273 North Witchduck Road. VBCA parents and students will be treated with a dinner from Carrabba’s Italian Grill. The evening program will include an address from a very special keynote speaker, and a presentation by VBCA administration and faculty to explain how the SOS program will engage students, parents and the community to lower the risk for suicide for its youth.

Under the SOS program, teachers, guidance counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, teachers, administrators, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria workers, and teacher assistants will be trained in the dynamics of suicide prevention and depression screening. To accomplish this task, a SOS Suicide Prevention Coordinating Committee has been formed. Through the SOS Program, school staff, students and their parents will learn about depression, suicide, self-injury, and the associated risks of alcohol use. They will learn the action steps for students to take to get help.

The SOS Signs of Suicide Program for Secondary Schools was created in 1997 in Massachusetts, by the Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH). SMH is a non-profit organization program that develops nationwide, evidence-based suicide prevention programs. The SOS Program is designed to involve school administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students in a systemic effort to eliminate or reduce suicide, which is the third leading cause of death among youths and young adults, ages 10 to 24.

The SOS Program is an important step towards protecting youth by identifying those who are at risk for mental health problems; preventing maladaptive coping behavior; and encouraging help-seeking and appropriate treatment.

For more information about the SOS Suicide Prevention Program “Parent Night” or the implementation of the program at VBCA, call 473-5058.