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Resource list planned after school safety summit

Telegraph - 6/21/2022

Jun. 21—EDWARDSVILLE — A resource list for schools and semi-annual strategy sessions are planned following the June 7 Madison County School Safety Summit.

Regional Superintendent Rob Werden said the summit provided "valuable insights" into the existing collaboration between local school districts and law enforcement. His office plans to host semi-annual meetings between all participants to continue discussions on strategies.

"We also plan to facilitate increased collaboration between law enforcement and all schools who might be in need of assistance," he said. He added that his office plans to develop a resource list for all schools in the county, public and private, related to safety and mental health.

Werden noted the Madison County Mental Health Department is supporting school districts through grant funds which allow the integration of various mental health providers to engage with schools for addiction intervention and prevention, including depression and anxiety. He said the department is working to expand the roles of those providers to increase focus on expanded mental health related topics, and to change negative perceptions regarding those with mental health issues.

"I do feel like the stigma surrounding mental health is slowly starting to melt away as more people are seeking and receiving help and services, which is a step in the right direction," Werden said.

Madison County currently has a Youth Advisory Board. As a result of the summit, Werden is proposing the group's focus be expanded to include mental health.

"Our students are often one of our greatest resources when striving to meet student needs," he said. "They are in the halls and have access to social media posts that many adults do not.

"Utilizing their insights could be essential in avoiding future crisis," he said. "There is infinite potential to develop collaborative groups of youth across districts and schools."

Werden said many school officials have said there is a need for student training related to mental health and crisis situations. While school districts already engage in training for their faculty and staff, there are limited options for student-related training. Werden said his office plans to investigate how to bring increased awareness to students on avoiding crisis situations and how to respond if one occurs.

He said the summit also provided an opportunity to make the public aware of new requirements, including the placement of National Suicide Hotline and Safe 2 Help Illinois information placed on the backs of school ID's.

"It was impressive to see everyone in the room working together to learn from one another," he said.

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