by Renee Santos
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Keeping children safe is behind the dramatic but some say necessary move to put the #NationalSuicidePreventioLifeline on the back of student ID cards.
#Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people between 12 and 19 here in Nevada.
That’s why 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, someone at the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline is there answering calls.
It’s a number Clark County School District teacher Alexis Salt would like to see on ID cards here in Southern Nevada.
“I think even if it just helps one kid it’s worth whatever trouble we would go to in order to this,” Salt said.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is oe of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
“Bringing in many more #mentalhealthprofessionals to help with interventions with kids earlier on,” said Christy McGill, Director of the Nevada Department of Education Division of Safe and Respectful Learning.
Below is a statement from CCSD:
“The health, safety, and well-being of our students is the number one priority of the Clark County School District. If a student is considering self-harm or in emotional distress, we strongly encourage them to immediately contact an adult for help.”
Right now, no word on if changes to ID’s would be made here.
Still, Salt is hopeful by having open conversations surrounding #mentalhealth, more kids will start reaching out for help.
“It’s a constant reminder that we do take #mentalhealth seriously there are people willing to listen to you who want to help you,” Salt said.
The district encourages students to also use the Safe-Voice app.
Counseling services all also available at all campuses.
If you or someone you know are in a crisis, you can call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
