ND HOPES Schools Work
STARS: Suicide Prevention Training and Readiness for Schools
ND THRIVES and ND HOPES are happy to announce the full launch of their STARS (Suicide Prevention Training and Education Readiness for Schools) program FREE for all schools in North Dakota! STARS offers three separate modules. Each school/district has the option to choose which modules are right for their needs.
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Half-Day Leadership Workshop
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1-2 Hour All-Staff Training
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3-4 Hour Clinical Workshop
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Priority for Fall 2026 will be given to the grants’ targeted populations and geographic areas:
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Rural and frontier school districts in Western North Dakota
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School districts within the five federally-recognized Tribal lands in North Dakota
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Rural and frontier school districts in Northeast North Dakota
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However, all ND school districts are encouraged to apply. Interested districts are encouraged to email Sarah Kemp Tabbut.
Overview of Suicide Prevention in North Dakota Schools
In North Dakota, suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 36% of North Dakota high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless, 19% seriously considered suicide, 15% made a plan about how they would attempt suicide, and 6% actually attempted suicide in the 12 months prior to the 2021 survey. Schools can play an important role in preventing suicide and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing among North Dakota youth.
ND HOPES offers statewide education, training, and consultation to schools with a specific focus on western North Dakota. We can help your school:
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Identify and support students at risk by providing education and training on warning signs, effective communication, and how to connect youth to care.
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Develop policies and procedures that help prevent suicide and promote mental wellbeing.
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Promote connectedness and help-seeking among students and staff through the Sources of Strength program.
Contact us at info@ndhopes.com to learn more and get involved.
Not sure where to get started? That’s okay! Contact us, and we’ll set up a meeting to discuss your goals and come up with a game plan.
In addition to these services, ND HOPES partners with North Dakota’s Behavioral Health in Education: Resources and Opportunities (B-HERO) Technical Assistance Center to provide a more expansive menu of options. Please visit B-HERO's website to learn more about the services they offer.
Whether you engage with ND HOPES or are simply seeking information on our website, our goal is to equip you with what you need to know to prevent suicide. Whether you are a teacher, principal, student, staff member, parent, or community member, everyone has a role to play. Start by learning the FACTS or warning signs.
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Feelings, like expressing hopelessness about the future.
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Actions, like engaging in risky behavior or withdrawing from activities.
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Changes in normal behavior like participation in social activities, withdrawal from friends, sleeping more or less than usual, or displaying anger or hostility.
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Threats, such as talking or writing about suicide.
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Situations that can lead to suicidal behavior such as getting in trouble, experiencing loss, or going through a significant change.
If you notice any of these warning signs, express concern, ask directly about suicide, encourage a call or text to 988, and involve a trusted adult.
And don’t forget, ND HOPES is here to help.
Resource Spotlight
B-HERO Resource Hub