September is Suicide Prevention Month, an opportunity for our communities to have deeper conversations about mental health and to learn about the warning signs and resources available for suicide prevention.
Prioritizing Mental Health
At IDEA Public Schools, we believe mental health is equally important as physical health. By prioritizing physical and emotional safety of our students, IDEA has established a Suicide Prevention Program to ensure our Team and Family is equipped to meet the needs of our students on all fronts – preventatively and responsively. Through the implementation of universal prevention measures such as school-wide screenings, raising awareness, and involving families, we can all prevent suicide.
Hope Squad at IDEA Public Schools
IDEA Public Schools is proud to announce that all 26 IDEA campuses in the Rio Grande Valley are home to a campus Hope Squad. This innovative program aims to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment by empowering students to become mental health advocates for their peers.
Hope Squad is a student-led group that provides support, resources, and encouragement to fellow students who may be struggling with mental health challenges. These dedicated individuals undergo training to identify and assist classmates who may be experiencing difficulties. Through their efforts, Hope Squad members play a crucial role in promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and creating a culture of compassion within the school community.
Be the Light Week 2025
During the week of September 22 – 26, 2025, IDEA Rio Grande Valley Hope Squads will celebrate Be the Light Week to emphasize the importance of self-care and seeking support by sharing information and resources on campus.
Through daily activities, Hope Squad members aim to spread positivity, hope, and support in an effort to show support and solidarity with their school community during Suicide Prevention Month. Through student-led activities and spreading the message of hope, students are breaking the stigma around mental health in their school communities.
Positive messages light up IDEA Brownsville during Hope Week 2024
Mental Health Conversations & Support
Talking is the first step to preventing suicide. Even when we may sense someone is struggling, you can learn the warning signs, know the risk factors, and start an open conversation with someone you love. Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness website for resources to start and continue the conversation around mental health.
You can speak with several people to ask for support:
- Your child’s doctor
- Mental health hotlines and text lines
- Your local mobile crisis unit
- Dial 911 for immediate emergencies
- Dial 988 for suicide and crisis lifeline
- Your school counselor or social worker
Every campus has an academic counselor and social worker on-site who is available to support you in finding resources to help with your child’s mental health and social-emotional well-being. Contact them if you have any questions or need support in meeting your child’s mental health needs.
You can also contact national and state helplines if you need help navigating resources to support your child.
(988) Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
OK2TALK Teen Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Crisis Text Line – Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous and free crisis counseling
National Crisis Resources For Parents
