SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Regional High School hosted a teen suicide prevention presentation on Monday night in the auditorium of the regional high school.
The presentation was hosted by Stephanie Lecrenski and Shannon Dion, who are both adjustment counselors at the school.
While the event was open to the general public the crowd consisted of 12 parents in attendance. However, according to Dion, the small attendance was a benefit.
“It was small and intimate and I think it was a comfortable setting,” said Dion.
The adjustment counselors spoke to the attendees about prevention, identifying risk factors, and explaining the difference between identifying the risk factors and self-harm.
Southwick Regional High School. (WNG File Photo)
The Behavioral Health Network crisis team from the Westfield Carson Center, was also present to talk about the programming they offer and what it would look like if someone was evaluated.
Dion felt that the parents were engaged with the discussion.
“They were all very appreciative,” said Dion. “There were a lot of real questions.”
Lecrenski and Dion have had prior knowledge with this topic as they both went to a SOS (Signs of Suicide) program training this year. SOS is an independent program that offers its skills for schools of different age groups to adopt.
Dion also mentioned that the topic of suicide prevention has been gradually extended from one group to the next. They have already addressed the topic to the school district staff, now to the parents, and the hope in the near future is to bring it to the students.
