Heading into the summer, Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Safety Services are trying to get the word out to students and their families about the 24/7 availability of counselors through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Herkimer BOCES Safety Services PBIS Coordinator Kellie Maxwell has been presenting to local students and handing out information about 988 to give students another option for support when they’re not in school.
Some students might not feel comfortable asking for help or talking about their concerns even when in school, but 988 gives them an anonymous option, Maxwell said, while talking to Herkimer BOCES Pathways Academy students on Wednesday, June 4.
“There’s nothing wrong with using this service,” Maxwell said to the students. “If you need help, get the help. Don’t struggle alone.”
Stemming out of the original National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline fully launched in July 2022 with a plan of being easier to access through the shorter 988 contact. Anyone, any age, can call or text 988 for support – or participate in a chat by visiting 988lifeline.org/chat.
Maxwell told students that 988 is available to anyone dealing with suicidal thoughts, a mental health or substance abuse crisis, emotional distress or feeling concerned about someone else going through issues.
“It’s open for everybody,” she said.
Maxwell researched the benefits of hotlines for students especially during times such as the summer when they don’t have their normal supports. She also found out that spreading information about 988 proved successful in Rochester, so she wanted to spread the information to students and their families.
“I think it’s great they have that option,” she said. “Especially with the mental health crisis we have right now, I think everybody should know about 988.”
Maxwell gave separate presentations on Wednesday, June 4, to Herkimer BOCES Pathways Academy seventh graders and eighth graders and then also set up a table in the cafeteria to talk with students and hand out information during their lunch periods. On Thursday, May 29, she visited Poland Central School District to do the same during lunch periods. Going into next school year, she hopes to visit additional BOCES programs, school districts and open houses.
“I’m trying to get the word out,” she said.
Michele Paladino, a licensed mental health counselor at the Herkimer BOCES Pathways Academy, said having Maxwell visit to discuss outside support available to them was helpful.
“It absolutely is beneficial,” Paladino said, before talking directly to Maxwell. “And I think one of the benefits of having you come in is to have them hear it from an outside. I heard the questions. It showed they were listening and paying attention.”
Paladino said getting the information out about 988 before the summer, when students are away from their school routines and supports, is especially important.
And in general, the widespread availability of 988 is a great option for students and anyone else, Paladino said.
“They can call; they can text; they can chat,” she said. “It’s reaching them where they’re at.”
Pictured below: Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Safety Services PBIS Coordinator Kellie Maxwell presents to Herkimer BOCES Pathways Academy students on Wednesday, June 4, about the availability of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
