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Students urge stronger, sustained suicide‑prevention supports after multiple deaths
Summary
A West Creek High senior told the Montgomery County School Board the district lost four students to suicide in 13 months and urged mandatory suicide‑prevention education, ongoing grief support and staff training; district officials described existing trainings and resources.
A senior from West Creek High School told the Montgomery County School Board on June 16 that her school lost four students to suicide in 13 months and urged the board to treat mental health with the same priority as physical health.
"Why does it feel like we only talk about mental health after someone dies?" Sydney Kemp asked, recommending mandatory suicide‑prevention education, staff training to recognize warning signs, routine mental‑health check‑ins and long‑term grief support rather than short, temporary efforts.
Board members asked whether the district already had programs in place. A district official identified in the meeting as Dr. Dowdy said teachers receive mandatory annual training provided free by the state through the Jason Foundation, students can access Care Solace for 24–48‑hour assistance with certified counselors, and schools maintain portals and social workers to connect students confidentially with supports. Dr. Dowdy said a small team was reviewing data and would explore new ways to inform students about resources.
Board members expressed sympathy and said they would continue examining how supports are communicated and delivered across schools. Several speakers noted that while counseling resources exist, the student testimony suggested communication and sustained follow‑up need improvement.
What happens next: the district said a team is reviewing data about student supports and will consider additional outreach to ensure students know how to access services.
