Springfield, IL — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced an expansion of mental health services for high school students statewide, supported by a suicide prevention grant to DuPage High School District 88. This funding will facilitate access to up to eight in-person or telehealth counseling sessions for students.
This marks the third year of a planned five-year grant, with nearly $440,000 allocated so far. Initially focused on “postvention” services to support those affected by student suicides, the funding has now expanded to include a new portal connecting students to a “care navigator” who can guide them to necessary treatment services.
“Preventing suicide and promoting mental health in Illinois are critical IDPH priorities that require innovative community-based solutions,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We are proud to partner with the Illinois State Board of Education and DuPage High School District to enhance this vital program.”
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders emphasized the role of schools in supporting student mental health, stating, “DuPage High School District 88’s creation of the postvention portal is a powerful example of how schools can address the mental health needs of our students and communities.”
Dr. Jean Barbanette, Superintendent of DuPage High School District 88, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We are excited to be part of a grant to provide assistance and treatment for our students, families, and community.”
Parents have shared positive feedback about the services, noting the timely assistance in matching their children with therapists and the positive changes in their children’s emotional well-being. “Our teen has grown more comfortable sharing her feelings and finding ways to de-escalate her emotions and stress,” one parent reported.
DuPage High School District 88 collaborates with Referral GPS to manage the service, which includes a phone line and secure web portal for counseling requests. This partnership aims to triage inquiries and connect families with appropriate clinical providers. Telehealth services will further enhance access, particularly for students in remote areas.
Students can access these resources at Adolescent Suicide Postvention | ReferralGPS or by texting “HOME” to 741741. For emergency situations, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available for immediate assistance. All inquiries are confidential, and aggregate usage statistics will be reported to assess the effectiveness of the grant funding.
The grant funding from IDPH is sourced from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Program.
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