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UV4C Encourages Community To Observe ‘The Future Is Bright: A Week Of Suicide Prevention,’ March 1-5
(Tuesday, March 2, 2021) -- Fort Worth ISD’s United Voices for Change (UV4C) organization is observing The Future is Bright: A Week of Suicide Prevention, March 1-5.
The weeklong event includes activities, conversations and education focused on reducing the stigma of mental illness and educating the Tarrant County community about the warning signs of someone at risk of suicide. Through The Future Is Bright, UV4C’s desire is spreading the word that everyone matters and establishing a welcoming environment for all.
FWISD employees, students and their families are invited to participate in a week of activities including:
Monday: Post a ‘green screen’ on all social media and use a green virtual background in classes and meetings to support mental health awareness
Tuesday: Post pictures with hashtag signs #bealifeline, #myfutureisbright, #brightfuture and #youmatter on social media and use the hashtags on virtual backgrounds in classes and meetings
Wednesday: Wear teal or purple to support suicide prevention and talk about suicide warning signs everywhere. Participants are encouraged to share the Suicide Prevention hotline number (1-800-273-8255)
Thursday: “Team up” against suicide wearing team apparel from your favorite team
Friday: Wear neon colors, college T-shirts, sunglasses or your future career clothing celebrating your bright future
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of children struggling with mental health issues has increased. Pre-COVID nearly 11% of FWISD students considered attempting suicide, according to a proclamation approved by the FWISD Board of Education on Tuesday February 23, endorsing UV4C’s The Future is Bright: A Week of Suicide Prevention observance. Children and adolescents are experiencing social isolation, increased social media use and loss. “Suicide deaths in Tarrant County continue to increase and are now the second leading cause of death,” according to the proclamation approved by FWISD trustees this week.
"It is impressive that our students in United Voices for Change understand the weight the pandemic has placed on many students and their families. Reaching out to everyone in the FWISD community to remind those who are struggling that they matter and all of us need to be a lifeline for each other is noble cause," said Cynthia Bethany, director of FWISD’s Prevention and Crisis Response.
The District’s United Voices for Change (UV4C) organization is a program that encourages students to use their voices to make positive change in their communities and on their school campuses.
UV4C members are slated to attend a Fort Worth City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 2 where a proclamation is slated to be presented endorsing the efforts planned by the group. Other municipalities that have presented proclamations endorsing UV4C's The Future is Bright: A Week of Suicide Prevention are Forest Hill, Dalworthington Gardens and Westworth Village.
For additional information about UV4C’s The Future is Bright: A Week of Suicide Prevention activities, email Ms. Bethany at Cynthia.bethany@fwisd.org or Kathryn Everest, director of FWISD Counseling Services, at Kathryn.everest@fwisd.org.
The Fort Worth ISD Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have licensed mental health clinicians available to help FWISD students and families. Clinicians are available year-round, Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to respond to parents and assist them by providing them with a consultation. If you need assistance, please call 817-814-2870 or email FRCEmails@fwisd.org.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for help. The crisis hotline, which provides free and confidential emotional support is available 24/7.
For additional resources or assistance, visit mentalhealth.gov.
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