Pub. 7 2017-2018 Issue 1

17 intentional, but rather the result of logistical reasons due to the inherent semi-autonomous nature of how charter schools are designed. I would love to see every charter school strongly adopt and market this program to their students! The impact that suicide or violence can have on a student, the school, and community are incalculable! The proverbial “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is so true and applicable to the benefits that can be obtained by a well-planned roll out of SAFE UT to a school community. Just recently, a feature has been added to the crisis chat option of the app whereby parents can chat with a crisis counselor about their student. Many parents see signs of depression, withdrawal, and falling grades, but do not know who to turn to for advice about how to help their student. The counselors that staff the app are experts in dealing with the mental health needs of students and are ready and willing to help parents with questions about how to help their students. There is NO cost to a charter school to adopt SAFE UT. A school simply needs to decide to move forward and contact the State Office of Education. School level personnel are given training on how to monitor the online dashboard for tips, and contact information is gathered regarding who a crisis worker can contact if they receive a tip of an urgent nature. Often a school assembly is organized to kick-off the launch. Tragically not long ago a relative of mine that was attending a Utah charter school died by suicide. I believe this app could have been a great resource to this promising young man who was one of the best students in the school. Youth suicide is the leading cause of death in Utah for 10-17 year olds. This age group is extremely impulsive when it comes to suicide attempts. Nearly half of these students wait less than 15 minutes to attempt suicide after they make the decision to do so, which is why it is so critical that they have a 24/7 resource they can turn to in their moment of crisis. I urge charter school administrators to not wait another day to offer this life saving resource to our students!