Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program
Description of service provided:
The Signs of Suicide Prevention Program (SOS) is an evidence-based program for suicide prevention and awareness. The Dickinson Center, Inc. facilitators have been implementing SOS in conjunction with the Student Assistance Program in all middle and high schools, annually, in Elk and Cameron Counties for the past 16 years. The goals of this program are to create awareness, provide action steps for mental health concerns, encourage individuals to speak up, reduce stigma regarding mental health and suicide, enhance engagement between students, school personnel, parents, and communities, and promote wellness and resiliency among adolescents. SOS uses the acronym A.C.T. - Acknowledge, Care, Tell - to teach students how to respond to disclosures of signs of depression and suicide among themselves and their friends.
Program facilitators use educational tools such as videos, games, and classroom discussion to reach students, staff, and guardians. Screening tools are used in order to identify students who are at risk for depression and suicide. Response cards are also used in order to empower students to speak up about themselves or a friend. All services provided are confidential.
Geographical area of service:
The SOS Program is offered to each school district within Elk and Cameron Counties.
Individual school participation includes the following:
Cameron County School District
Signs of Suicide – 7th Grade
Signs of Suicide – 9th Grade
Elk County Catholic School System
Signs of Suicide - 7th Grade
Signs of Suicide – 9th Grade
Johnsonburg Area School District
Signs of Suicide – 8th Grade
Signs of Suicide – 10th Grade
Ridgway Area School District
Signs of Suicide – 7th Grade
Signs of Suicide – 9th Grade
St. Marys Area School District
Signs of Self-Injury – 6th Grade
Signs of Suicide – 7th Grade
Signs of Suicide – 9th Grade
Second Act SOS – 12th Grade
All districts may request the implementation of the Signs of Suicide Training Trusted Adults or additional SOS programs annually. Outside agencies may also request the implementation of the Signs of Suicide Training Trusted Adults program annually.
Admission and Service Access:
Each school chooses their participation level and identifies which grades will receive implementation of the SOS curriculum. The school seeks passive parental consent prior to facilitation; only students within the appointed grade level who have parental consent may participate in the program. More information can be found at www.sossignsofsuicide.org.
Address and hours of operation:
Dickinson Center, Inc.
Children’s Prevention Services
4 Erie Avenue, Suite 302
St. Marys, PA 15857
Sierra Himes, Director of Children’s Prevention & Assessment Services
Phone: 814.834.2602
8:00am – 4:00pm.
The Signs of Suicide Program is available during the regular school year typically occurring once annually per grade level.
How consumers pay for service:
This program is offered at no charge for our districts, students, and their families. This program is made possible through the generous funding of the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust.