SOS Signs of Suicide®

The SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program is an evidence-based program for suicide prevention and awareness.

Dickinson Center, Inc. has been implementing SOS in the Elk and Cameron County school districts since 2007. 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 of 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 four different SOS Programs and educational tools such as videos, games, and classroom discussions to teach 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. More information can be found at www.sossignsofsuicide.org.

Service Area:

The SOS Program is offered within each school district in Elk and Cameron Counties. Student participation includes the following:

  • Signs of Self-Injury – 6th or 7th Grade
  • Signs of Suicide for Middle School – 7th or 8th Grade
  • Signs of Suicide for High School – 9th or 10th Grade
  • SOS Second ACT – 12th Grade

Districts may request the implementation of the Signs of Suicide Training Trusted Adults Program annually. This service is also available to other agencies and employers upon request.

Service Access:

Each SOS program is facilitated to the appointed grade level within each district; passive parental consent is required for participation. The Signs of Suicide Program is available during the academic school year and occurs once annually per grade level.

Service Cost:

SOS is offered at no charge to districts, students, and their families. The A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust generously fund this program, making it possible.

Contact Information:

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: 814.834.260

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