Other State Resources

• Department of Mental Health
• Department of Youth Services
• Department of Children and Families
• Department of Elder Affairs
• Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
  • DESE Safe Schools Program for Gay & Lesbian Students
    The Safe Schools Program for Gay and Lesbian Students (a program of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) provides a range of services designed to help schools implement the MA Student Anti-Discrimination Law, the State Board of Education's Recommendations on the Support and Safety of Gay and Lesbian Students, and the Access to Equal Educational Opportunity Regulations. Grants are awarded to districts to assist in developing violence prevention programs to enhance school safety for lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender students. For resources and more information, please contact: ssces@doe.mass.edu or (781) 338-6480.
  • DESE Trauma Sensitive Schools Program
    The Trauma Sensitive Schools Program (a program of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) offers grants, resources and technical assistance to schools. In working with youth who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, teachers are the critical link to intervention with sensitivity and awareness. Best practices create an environment where students can learn in a safe and positive environment. Educators have an opportunity to intervene and advocate on behalf of their students with trauma sensitive practice and awareness. For more information, contact Jenny Caldwell Curtin at 781-338-6839 or jcurtin@doe.mass.edu.
  • DESE Safe And Drug Free Schools
    Safe And Drug Free Schools And Communities (a program of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) is a federally funded activity to support local schools and communities programs that prevent violence around schools, prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, involve parents and coordinate with related federal, state and community efforts and resources. Find information on grants for schools, resources on bullying prevention and other resources for keeping schools safe. For more information, contact Anne Gilligan at (781) 338-6309 or agilligan@doe.mass.edu.

National Alliance on Mental Illness - MA (NAMI-MA) is a non-profit grassroots education and advocacy group dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by mental illness. NAMI-MA is a resource for families touched by mental illness. Since 1983, NAMI-MA has been highly effective in building awareness, reducing stigma, providing education and support, and advocating for mental health services.

National Resources

American Association of Suicidology
AAS is a membership organization for all those involved in suicide prevention and intervention, or touched by suicide. AAS is a leader in the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide prevention through research, education and training, the development of standards and resources and survivor support services.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. By dialing 1-800-273-TALK, the call is routed to the nearest crisis center in our national network of more than 140 crisis centers. The Lifeline's national network of local crisis centers, provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals day and night.

Screening for Mental Health
Screening for Mental Health, Inc., (SMH) first introduced the concept of large-scale mental health screenings with National Depression Screening Day® in 1991. SMH programs now include both in-person and online programs for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol problems and suicide prevention. Programs are implemented by local clinicians at mental health facilities, hospitals, primary care offices, social service agencies, colleges/ universities, workplaces, schools and the military.

Suicide Prevention Action Network USA
SPAN USA serves as the public policy and advocacy division of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). AFSP is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

This information is provided by the Suicide Prevention Program within the Department of Public Health.