Leading Through Crisis: Responding to Suicide in Schools

Representatives from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Georgia Department of Education will review Georgia suicide data, discuss trends in suicidality and access to services, review legislation and policy requirements for schools and districts, and share resources to support intervention and postvention efforts. The Georgia data review will highlight recent observations from 2020–2024, regional and statewide trends, and key demographic patterns. Participants will gain a general understanding of suicide in Georgia, including populations that are disproportionately impacted and the ways suicides are occurring, such as weapons and other means.

Participants will be able to:
-Explain how Georgia suicide data compares nationally and identify risk groups.
-Demonstrate knowledge of key state legislation and requirements for schools and districts.
-Identify key resources available to schools to guide response during a suicide crisis and in postvention.
-Explain the four critical components of response to suicide ideation among students or staff.
-Demonstrate knowledge of the three stages of postvention and tools available to support planning and implementation.
-Effectively describe the role of community partners and community engagement in suicide response and postvention.

Primary Contact: Deborah Chosewood - deborah.chosewood@doe.k12.ga.us