A new resource guide is available to help the adults and youth in schools save lives — by talking about suicide, knowing the warnings of suicide, building safety networks, knowing where and how to seek comfort and hope.

And knowing that help is always a three-digit phone call away — by simply dialing 9-8-8.

The Suicide Prevention in Schools Committee, part of Missouri Suicide Prevention Network, published the Suicide Prevention & 988 Guide for Missouri Schools to help school personnel learn the latest insights and actions to save youth from suicide.

The need is urgent. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth in Missouri ages 10 to 24.

Statewide in 2020, Missouri reported that 25% of college students, 10% of high school students and 12% of middle school students experienced serious thoughts of suicide during the year.

To help save lives, the guide incorporates resources such as DESE’s Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Model Policy and the Missouri School Counselor Association’s Crisis Manual.

The Department of Mental Health is making available 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline materials for schools to promote this resource at school and encourage help-seeking among students. Schools will have access to the Suicide Prevention & 988 Guide, a virtual 988 social media toolkit, and a physical 988 toolkit.