From 2000-2014, 96 Idaho students' lives were lost to suicide. Twenty of those deaths were kids under the age of 14, according to Idaho Department of Education officials.
To help save lives, the state department of education has teamed up with SPAN, or the Suicide Prevention Action Network of Idaho.
In doing so, a grant was obtained to implement a program system meant to strengthen schools by creating caring support networks.
"Every student is a genius at something and, so, how can we help them uncover their genius and use that genius to make their school community a better place," said Matt McCarter, student engagement director for the Idaho Department of Education. "Those things can really turn the tide and that's about upstream prevention."
McCarter is looking for leaders of groups and organizations who are interested in partnering up to reach even more youth both inside and out of school hours. He can be reached by dialing (208) 332-6961 or by sending an e-mail to mamccarter@sde.idaho.gov.
You can learn more about Sources of Strength Program by visiting the Idaho Department of Education's website.
