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BURLINGTON, Ky. — A recent seminar in northern Kentucky focused on a critical issue: mental illness and suicide among teens and children.
Caregivers, parents and school officials came together to share resources and strategies to support young people in crisis.
In a community still reeling from recent tragedies, Jason Staats, CEO of SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky, is on a mission to help caregivers recognize the signs of mental illness and know what to do next.
“It’s something that we talk about frequently," Staats said. "I think in the community, we’ve experienced a tragic loss and impact from the topic recently. With more people in our area wondering what to do, wondering how they can help, this event is to pull those resources together."
This comes after a recent spike in suicides at Boone County Public Schools. Five students have died by suicide since November.
The seminar wasn’t just for parents. School personnel and resource officers are joining forces, emphasizing no one should feel alone in this effort. Staats honed in on one key when asking questions.
"Sometimes, the first time you bring it up, you may not get the response that you’re expecting from your teen. It’s different communicating to a younger person. “Be patient," he said. "Sometimes, the first time you bring it up, you may not get the response that you’re expecting from your teen. It’s different communicating to a younger person. They’re learning things for the first time, feeling things for the first time, so sometimes caregivers really need to be patient."
Resources were front and center, with tables offering support and amplifying awareness.
“If it's one person that I save, then that’s all that matters to us," said Morgan Marks of the Jason Foundation, an organization born from loss. "We want to keep more than dreams alive."
Clark and Connie Flatt started the foundation after losing their 16-year-old son Jason to suicide in 1997. It provides free training and curriculum for parents, staff and students.
Marks shared statistics showing 41.6% of surveyed Kentucky students reported feelings of depression and 18.6% had considered suicide.
“We call it the silent epidemic," Marks said. "You know, not talking about it. I think we’re getting better, but we need to talk more.”
The Jason Foundation offers all its materials online at no cost.
