The Jones County Suicide Prevention Coalition split its meeting time with discussions about its program to help deter students from vaping and its primary focus of preventing deaths by suicide.
The June 25 meeting began with an icebreaker led by Brandon Warrick with the Partners in Prevention Project team at Augusta University.
Ariel Ajero, a new team member, presented program updates, pointing out that Jones County is ending its third year of a five-year PIPP grant. She said the coalition will begin its fourth year in October.
The speaker went over the positive norms posters that will be placed at Clifton Ridge Middle School next school year that point out most students do not smoke or vape.
The group discussed events where informational materials could be passed out, and it was suggested the ‘Not So Scary Grayberry’ event in October has the largest crowds.
Jones County Suicide Coalition Coordinator Joy Carr said Jones County’s Back to School event is scheduled July 22.
PIPP facilitator Dr. Martha Tingen said vaping is a national problem and is prevalent in Jones County. She talked about the Catch My Breath programs that have been effective.
“We need to emphasize the positive norms. That includes gathering the data for posters and onscreen graphics. We need to get input from students for what appeals to them,” she said. “It can be powerful because it’s a positive approach.”
Carr suggested partnering with health classes, and Warrick suggested partnering with the Jones County Sheriff’s Office during their take back drugs event.
The coordinator asked about having the positive norms campaign at Jones County High School. She said 25 percent of high schoolers use some kind of tobacco products.
Carr asked what kind of resources are available for students who want to quit vaping.
Tingen said their goal is to spend Jones County’s portion of the grant, where the group wants it spent, and asked for suggestions. She said there are programs for those 18 and over who want to quit, and the school could run tobacco cessation programs with coaches.
“Suspending students for vaping is not the best idea,” Tingen said.
Warrick led an overview about QPR training.
QPR is an acronym for Question Persuade Refer that are action steps when dealing with someone in crisis.
QPR training is offered by Carr. The training takes 90 minutes and explains how to recognize warning signs of suicide, how to offer hope and how to get help.
Tingen talked about the My Ascension documentary. Screenings of the documentary are free of charge and recommended for middle schoolers and older students.
She recommended parents should be with middle schoolers who want to watch the documentary.
“The number one goal of the PIPP grant is to stop the stigma of getting help and promote mental health for all people,” the facilitator said.
Carr said First Baptist Church in Gray was hosting a ‘Save Our Students’ conference June 29. She also said they had 30 people attend a “My Ascension” screening June 20 at the church.
Team member Ashley Prager went over the results of a survey of Jones County students. The survey asked if students had thoughts of harming themselves during the past year. Jones County scored higher than the state average.
Tingen did point out that the number of deaths by suicide had decreased. She talked about the HOPE Squad and the possibility of creating one at Jones County High School.
The goal of the HOPE Squad is to reduce self-destructive behavior and youth suicide by training, building and creating change in schools and communities.
One important component of a HOPE Squad is it is student led, and squad leaders are chosen by students.
Squad leaders are trained on prevention, resilience and anti-bullying. They are also trained when to involve an adult.
Students identify faculty and other adults they would feel comfortable reaching out to for help.
Tingen said QPR is the foundation of the Hope Squad.
The next coalition meeting is scheduled Aug. 27.
