Summer Workshop for Bullying and Suicide Prevention with Southern Indian Health Council, Inc.

“The loss of a child is the loss of innocence, the death of the most vulnerable and dependent. The death of a child signifies the loss of the future, of hopes and dreams, of new strength, and of perfection.”

NERDS RULE INC's CEO and Founder Tristaca McCray worked with Kindergarten through 5th grade at the Southern Indian Health Council, Inc. Invited to share some tips about suicide, bullying, domestic violence and leadership skills in the community.

The NERDS RULE INC. Ambassador workshop was introduced to the students and staff. Great conversation, building tools, restorative practices for the classroom, creating leaders and learning about self worth was a great way to start the summer. Our goal with the ambassador program is to provide a safe space that can uplift, encourage, restore and empower at-risk youth, teens to discover their abilities to create and impact change in communities, schools, education, health and around the world.

Every year about 12,000 children aged 5-14 years old are admitted to psychiatric hospital units for suicidal behavior. Prepubescent children who have attempted suicide are up to 6 times more likely to attempt suicide again in adolescence. The majority of children who might experience symptoms of depression or other mental disorders do not receive adequate mental health services. Screening of these children needs to be a priority. One particular area where improvements can be made is in the Emergency Room of hospitals. It would be great if clinicians receive training of the characteristics of at-risk children and make the proper referrals to mental health professionals. Often a suicide attempt will be deemed an accident and the patient will be discharged with no follow-up to address the core issues surrounding the attempt. The NERDS RULE INC. Ambassador program provides tools and workshops to the community as a practical guide for students, parents, community leaders interested in implementing restorative practices. An approach that proactively builds positive homes, schools, churches, work environment and safe communities.

Reaching Young People - an English site for ages 6-8 that offers support for children and teaches coping skills for healthy living (http://bit.ly/YeKe1S)

Tattered Teddies Handbook- An Interactive Handbook about the Awareness and Prevention of Suicide in Children (http://bit. ly/PNnxPT).