In light of the growing mental health problem public schools are facing, Salem-Keizer Public Schools have printed mental health hotline numbers on the back of all high school and middle school ID’s.
This is part of their plan to support students mental health.
“This is in addition to adding an additional counselor at each high school last May and offering licensed mental health therapists in 29 of our schools,” said Lillian Govus, the director of community relations and communications for the district.
“We would love to expand that; however, there just aren’t enough therapists to make it happen.”
There are 65 schools in the district, making it the second-largest district in the state.
The Oregon Youthline, a free and confidential 24-hour crisis helpline for youth is one of the numbers on the cards. This line is staffed by teens from 4-10 p.m. and adults answer the phones all other times.
The Oregon Youthline is intended to give youth a place to talk, no problem is too big or too small to call about. (877)-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863
Both the English and Spanish National Suicide Prevention Lifeline numbers are listed additionally. This is a suicide prevention hotline that provides 24/7 help to anyone in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. English 1-800-273-TALK(8255). Spanish 1-888-628-9454.
SafeOregon is on the cards as well; though it is not a mental health line. This is a line designed to report anything from safety threats to drugs.
SafeOregon is a statewide network that allows students, parents and schools a place to report safety tips. (844)-472-3367.