It is a sad statistic that 4,500 people across Canada succumb to suicide annually –  the equivalent to 12 lives lost each day. In response, the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, which provides immediate access to suicide prevention services via call or text – 24/7, free of charge – was recently launched to prioritize mental health for all Canadians. 

The Black Gold School Division’s Ward 2 Trustee Devonna Klaassen is proud to have been part of a team of dedicated people who worked hard to advocate for this much-needed service. 

“Prior to becoming a school trustee, I worked for 15-plus years at the Support Network,” said Trustee Klaassen. “Suicide prevention was a cornerstone of their crisis programs. Over the years I not only served in all programs at some point, but eventually ended up overseeing all of them as the director.” 

“The 9-8-8 helpline – an easy to remember number – helps to reduce barriers to access.”

Klaassen said that her experiences working directly with youth in crisis, was a major driver for her to pursue a role as a school trustee.  “I know what the system looks like on the other side of education, so I wanted to put my skills and experience to use supporting kids and families from within the education system and support opportunities to strengthen the overlaps between the two,” she said.

Mental health has long been a cornerstone within all Black Gold schools. “Supporting the mental health of students, staff and families requires a complex strategy, involving many layers and community partnerships,” said Student Services Director Niki Gill. 

There are comprehensive supports available to students and staff in all Black Gold schools, including the Division’s Mental Health Capacity Building team, an Alberta Health Service school-linked mental health nurse, as well as educational psychologists, and occupational therapists. Each school has family school liaison workers, school counsellors, wellness instructional support teachers, and mental health lead teachers.

“We also rely heavily on our community partnerships to support families holistically,” said Gill. “These include Family and Community Supports Services, the Family Resource Network, Mental Health and Addictions, Settlement Workers in Schools, food banks, primary care networks, and many local area businesses who donate to our schools to support needs like food insecurity, school supplies, or warm clothing.”

In addition to the above services and supports, students and staff can also access a wide range of mental health information and resources on the Division website.