A suicide prevention grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is paying for an expansion of mental health services that will make it easier for high school students across Illinois to access up to eight in-person or telehealth counseling sessions. This is the third year of a planned five-year grant from IDPH to DuPage High School District 88. To date, DuPage has received nearly $440,000 for the grant, which began as a way to provide “postvention” services after a student has attempted or committed suicide, in order to help other students and members of the community deal with the trauma. The funding has now been broadened to launch the portal which students around the state can use to make contact with a “care navigator” who can help connect the student to treatment services. Some District 88 parents also offered their assessment of the service:

• “This service is amazing – besides the cost being covered for some sessions, it was so timely after I completed the form and worked to match my son with a therapist in our area and one that takes my insurance. As I have searched for therapists in the past, it is a process that requires a lot of time and often is not fruitful. Thank you!”

• “Our teen has grown more comfortable sharing her feelings & finding ways to de-escalate her emotions and stress.”

• “My daughter comes home from her session and she is a changed person. Although she has a long way to go, I feel she is part of the family again.”

Telehealth services will be made available, expanding access to care for students in remote areas who might have more difficulty arranging an in-person visit. Students can access the service at Adolescent Suicide Postvention | ReferralGPS or by texting “HOME” to 741741. (Anyone in an emergency situation should contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate assistance.)