Statewide Program Focused at Reducing Suicide Rates | Video

Amy Fox | 8/16/2012

In the last two years, the number of attempted suicides reported by high school students in North Dakota has nearly doubled. Now, the state is taking action.

The North Dakota Health Department`s Suicide Prevention Division awarded a contract to the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities for a statewide high school suicide prevention training course.

"At Risk," is an online stimulation to help educators identify at risk students. It will also teach them how to refer students to counseling services.

"There is a teacher and you`re given a scenario about the students and what they`re going through,” said At Risk Marketing Coordinator Emily Rodacker. “And, then, you`ll actually have a one on one conversation with the student. And, they give you different options of comments to make and the student will respond according to your comment. So, they might respond negatively. They may respond positively. So, it`s really to help you develop skills as an educator for dealing with students who many be at risk."

North Dakota high school principals will be contacted within the next few weeks to participate in the program. It`s already being used in 8 states.

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