Suicide Prevention at MSHS, Part 1

Over the last year, suicide has become a more prevalent issue in the Upper Peninsula with the deaths of several teenagers.

In the first part of a two–part report, there’s an effort underway to raise awareness and help those in need.

A suicide prevention program will take place Wednesday at Marquette Senior High School.

Faculty and staff from MSHS and other schools in Marquette County will learn how to recognize students at risk.

They’ll also be taught suicide prevention measures.

MSHS guidance counselor Patti Karwoski says part of the program will be a meeting that is open to the public.

Suicide is not easy to discuss, especially when it involves a young person.

But this program is aiming to make the discussion less taboo by educating adults and students about the opportunity to talk.

Karwoskie says the bottom line is that avoiding discussion of teen suicide will not make it go away.

As a part of the training program, every faculty and staff member in the MAPS district will receive training in suicide awareness.

In part two of our report, we’ll look at some of the facts and myths about suicide.