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Vestavia Hills City Schools

Learning Without Limits

Suicide Prevention and Awareness/Jason Flatt

Suicide Prevention and Awareness/Jason Flatt

VHCS is committed to supporting student safety, mental health, and well-being. Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility between schools, families, and the community. When students are struggling, early support and connection can make a meaningful difference.

Families are encouraged to take any concern about suicide, self-harm, hopelessness, or emotional distress seriously. You do not need to know exactly what to say or whether a concern is “serious enough” before reaching out for help.

  • If your child or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

    If your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, talking about suicide, or you are worried they may hurt themselves, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

    During school hours, contact your child’s school counselor or school administrator for support, or submit a report via the Safe School Helpline.

  • The Jason Flatt Act supports youth suicide awareness and prevention in schools. VHCS follows state requirements related to suicide prevention education, awareness, and staff training.

    This work helps school staff recognize warning signs, respond to concerns, and connect students with appropriate support. Families are important partners in this effort and are encouraged to contact the school if they have concerns about a student’s safety or well-being.

    VHCS Jason Flatt Policy may be found in the Board of Education Policy Manual.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 – provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio: 988

    Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741 Free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. Confidential. 

    Crisis Center Birmingham - Crisis and Suicide Line (205) 323-7777
    The mission of the Crisis Center is to serve the unmet needs of people experiencing personal crisis or mental health issues and respond with services that promote coping, emotional health and well-being. 

  • Please reach out right away if your child or another student:

    • Talks about wanting to die, disappear, or not be here
    • Mentions feeling hopeless, trapped, like a burden, or unable to keep going
    • Talks or writes about self-harm or suicide
    • Searches online for ways to hurt themselves
    • Gives away important belongings or says goodbye in unusual ways
    • Shows sudden withdrawal, agitation, anger, panic, or reckless behavior
    • Has major changes in sleep, mood, grades, friendships, or substance use
    • Experiences a significant loss, crisis, trauma, or major life change

    If something feels concerning, please ask for help. It is always better to reach out early.
     

    What Can I Say?

    Talking directly and calmly can help a student feel less alone. You might say:

    • “I’ve noticed you seem really overwhelmed. I’m here with you.”
    • “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
    • “Have you thought about suicide?”
    • “You are not in trouble. I want to help keep you safe.”
    • “We are going to get support together.”

    Asking directly about suicide does not put the idea in a student’s head. It can open the door to support, safety, and connection.


    What Should I Do If I’m Worried?

    If you are concerned about your child’s safety:

    • Stay with your child or make sure they are with a trusted adult.
    • Remove or secure items that could be used for harm, including medications, weapons, or sharp objects.
    • Call or text 988 for immediate crisis support.
    • Contact your child’s school counselor or administrator during school hours.
    • Follow up with a mental health professional, pediatrician, or crisis provider.

    If there is immediate danger, call 911.