Suicide Resource Pamphlet for Teachers to Aid Teens

Belmopan. August 31, 2011 – The Ministry of Health is pleased to partner with the Mental Health Association to conduct its third annual Mental Health Conference to be held on September 1 and 2, 2011 at the Belize Institute of Management (BIM) offices in Belize City.  
 
During its opening ceremony on Thursday, the Ministry of Health will be launching a suicide resource pamphlet entitled “Suicide Risk Guidelines: A Resource for Teachers.” The pamphlet will serve as a resource tool to assist teachers confronted with this preventable disorder. The information in the pamphlet highlights some of the factors that may indicate that a student is at risk of committing suicide, guides them in asking specific questions to determine if a student is at risk and provides information on what teachers can do if a student expresses suicidal signs.
 
The Mental Health Program of the Ministry of Health is assisting teachers in this instance because they are seen as one of the main partners, aside from parents, that have a major influence on adolescents. The pamphlet is also one of the activities that falls within the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Operational Plan of Action to decrease the rate of attempted suicides among adolescents.
 
The Suicide Risk Guidelines Pamphlet was produced in association with the Mental Health Association of Belize and supported by the Ministry of Education.
 
“A health and wellness message from your Ministry of Health” For More Information contact:
Dr. Claudina Cayetano, Psychiatrist, Mental Health Program, Ministry of Health at 822-2325/ 2363.