Safe Communities Corner

September is Suicide Prevention Month: 988 Saves Lives Each September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us of the importance of awareness, compassion, and action. One of the most powerful tools available in the fight against suicide is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—a simple, three-digit number that can connect someone in crisis with immediate help and support. Why 988 Matters Despite its life-saving potential, research shows that 3 in 4 Americans don’t know what the 988 hotline is. This lack of awareness is concerning, especially when we look at how effective the hotline has been: 988 receives nearly 600,000 contacts per…

September is Suicide Prevention Month: What to do if you See the Warning Signs Every September, communities across the nation observe Suicide Prevention Month—a time to shed light on a topic that is often kept in the shadows. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable. By learning the warning signs and how to respond, we can each play an important role in saving lives. Why Suicide Prevention Matters According to the CDC, nearly 50,000 people die by suicide each year in the U.S. Suicide is…

September is Suicide Prevention Month: Know the Warning SignsEvery September, communities across the country come together to raise awareness for suicide prevention. It’s a time to learn, share, and take action to save lives. Suicide is preventable, and one of the most powerful steps we can take is to recognize the warning signs and reach out to those in need.Research shows that 80.6% of adolescents who died by suicide exhibited one or more warning signs prior to their death. By paying attention to shifts in verbal cues, behaviors, and emotions, we can offer support early and potentially prevent a tragedy.Verbal…

September is Suicide Prevention Month: The Hidden Link Between Sleep and Suicide Risk September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time to bring awareness, share resources, and support those who may be struggling. While most people know that good sleep is important for physical health, fewer realize just how deeply it affects mental health and suicide risk—especially among adolescents. The Role of Sleep in Mental Health Sleep isn’t just “rest.” It’s when the brain processes emotions, restores energy, and resets the systems that help us cope with stress. When sleep is disrupted—whether through insomnia, frequent nightmares, or simply not getting enough…

September is Suicide Prevention Month: Knowledge Can Save LivesEvery September, communities across the nation come together to recognize Suicide Prevention Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and sharing life-saving resources.Sadly, suicide impacts far too many families. Studies show that nearly half of the American adult population has been affected by suicide in some way—whether through personal struggles with severe depression and suicidal thoughts, or by knowing someone who has tragically died by suicide.The Local Picture: Webster CountyIn Webster County, the impact is especially concerning. Over the past five years, deaths by suicide have steadily increased. Local data…

Back-to-School Essentials: Understanding the Difference Between Healthy Stress and Distress As the school year kicks off, families are picking up pencils, notebooks, and backpacks—but don't forget the mental and emotional tools kids need to thrive. Stress isn't inherently negative—the trick is striking the right balance between healthy stress and overwhelming distress. Understanding the Stress Curve Your graphic illustrates how performance varies with stress: Too little stress (underload)—leads to boredom, inactivity, and disengagement. Optimal stress—energizes focus, motivation, and productivity. Too much stress (overload)—can cause fatigue, anxiety, breakdowns, and burnout. Stress by the Numbers: What the Data Shows Daily Stress Among Students…

Back to School Essentials: More Than Just SuppliesAs students across Webster County return to classrooms, the familiar checklist begins—new notebooks, freshly sharpened pencils, colorful binders, and erasers ready to tackle mistakes. But this year, it’s time we add another, less visible item to that list: mental and emotional resilience.Bullying has always been a challenge for students, but the way it happens has evolved. With the rise of technology and social media, there’s often no escape from an aggressor, even outside of school walls. The 2021 Iowa Youth Survey revealed a sobering reality:40% of 6th graders reported being victims of bullying.26%…

Back-to-School Essentials: Managing Stress for Student SuccessAs backpacks get stuffed with notebooks, pencils, and fresh supplies, there’s another essential item every student needs for a successful school year — mental and emotional well-being.While academic preparation is important, emotional readiness plays an equally crucial role. According to the 2021 Iowa Youth Survey, a significant number of students in Iowa reported struggling with sadness and hopelessness:40% of 6th graders said they felt so sad or hopeless for two weeks or more that they stopped doing normal activities.30% of 8th graders said the same.29% of 11th graders also reported experiencing these feelings.These statistics,…

Back to School and Back to Bed: Why Good Sleep Is Essential for Student Success As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, many families focus on school supplies, new clothes, and adjusting daily routines. But one of the most critical—yet often overlooked—parts of preparing for a successful school year is getting enough sleep. Sleep is essential for growing minds and bodies. Research consistently shows that children and teens who get the right amount of rest are more focused, perform better in school, and have improved emotional well-being. Unfortunately, many Iowa students are falling short of the recommended sleep…