Elyssa’s Mission^® funds and implements the evidence-based SOS Signs of Suicide^® program in approximately 50 middle and high schools in Illinois through our partnership with Screening for Mental Health^®, a Massachusetts-based organization that pioneered the concept of large-scale mental health screening and education programs (to learn more visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org).

The SOS program teaches students to recognize potentially suicidal behavior and how to ACT^®:

• Acknowledge the signs of suicide
• Care – Let your friend know you care about him or her
• Tell a trusted adult

Using a DVD and accompanying discussion guide as interactive teaching tools, the SOS program informs teens that depression is a treatable illness, and empowers them to seek help from a trusted adult if they are concerned about themselves or a friend.  As a crucial next step, students complete the program’s life-saving screening tool that enables school staff to identify at-risk students and link them to services. We assist with all components of the SOS program including planning, teaching and training for staff and parents. Elyssa’s Mission^® is committed to growing its partnerships with schools and their communities to reach our common goal of providing suicide prevention education to our students, staff and parents.