September 2nd 2025
In Nebraska, suicide is the leading cause of death for children ages 10-14 and the second leading cause of death for ages 15-24. While these stats are troubling, research shows that talking about suicide helps prevent it. At Brownell Talbot we work to foster a compassionate community of learners, and it is our aim to educate and empower our students to check in with themselves and reach out to others in times of need.
Throughout the month of September, BT will host several suicide awareness and prevention educational opportunities:
- During the weeks of September 8 and September 15, school counselors Mrs. Brianna Vander Vorst, Mrs. Katie Brubaker, and Ms. Katie Tessin will be going into the classrooms and presenting information about mental health and suicide awareness and prevention to students in grades 5-12.
- In alignment with best practices from Omaha area school districts, students in grades 5-12 will complete a screener after the presentation. The counseling team will follow up with students and parents if students indicate on the screener that they are in need of support.
- During the week of September 8, students will be invited to participate in the Kim Foundation’s Chalk It Up For Bright Tomorrows city-wide event by creating messages of hope and encouragement around BT’s campus.
Please contact counselors Brianna Vander Vorst (Upper School), Katie Brubaker (Middle School), and Katie Tessin (Lower School) with any questions regarding National Suicide Prevention month activities.
