It is World Suicide Prevention Day! Each year on September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day encourages worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicide and to support those who have been impacted by suicide. On this special day, you can join thousands of others in showing your support for suicide prevention and remembering loved ones lost to suicide by lighting a candle near a window or on social media at 8 p.m.

Additional Resources:

• The brochure “Help and Support After Suicide: Information and Resources to Promote Healing” explains complicated grief and offers resources for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. The brochure and a California Survivor of Suicide Loss Program Directory can be found on the “Reach Out” page of this website:  SuicideisPreventable.org

• Friends for Survival has offered support for those bereaved by a suicide death for over 30 years. Call their help line, sign up to receive their newsletter, and visit their web site for links to resources and reading material. Toll Free Suicide Loss Helpline: 1-800-646-7322.

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a national organization with chapters in all 50 states that is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Their web site includes a wide range of resources and educational materials for survivors of suicide loss.

• To learn more about World Suicide Prevention Day, visit https://www.iasp.info/wspd2021/. 

Find even more activities in the Suicide Prevention Week 2020 Kit here.  It’s not too late to join the Suicide Prevention Week challenge.  To get started download the challenge flyer and challenge card!

Connect with thousands throughout the country during Suicide Prevention Week by using the hashtags #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionWeek #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

It’s not too late to join the Suicide Prevention Week challenge.  To get started download the challenge flyer and challenge card!  For today’s challenge we ask that you familiarize yourself with a suicide prevention resource. Visit their website or social media page and like, share or comment to show your support for the work they do. Find a list of resources here, or:

• Visit the website or social media page of your local county behavioral health agency. Many list local crisis resources, training opportunities, and suicide prevention events!
• Visit SuicideIsPreventable.org and explore the ‘Reach Out’ section which provides a variety of different resources at the county, state, and national level.
• Download and share the Reach Out card and social media posts.
• Watch this 60-second PSA created by a California high school student. In “True Colors,” a friend brings color back into someone’s life by getting them the help that they need and staying by their side.
• Encourage youth ages 12-25 to use art, song, narrative, or film to creatively promote a crisis resource as part of the Hope and Justice contest. Youth can win cash prizes! Entries are due September 31, 2021. For more information visit: DirectingChangeCA.org

If you or someone you know needs help, please know that you are not alone. Crisis lines, counselors, intervention programs, and more are available to you, whether you are in crisis yourself or concerned about someone else. For this challenge spend some time learning about one or more of these resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741
• The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ Young People): 1-866-488-7386
• Friendship Line (for Older Adults): 1-800-971-0016
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
• Teen Line: Call 1-800-852-8336 (from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. PST)

Connect with thousands throughout the country during Suicide Prevention Week by using the hashtags #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionWeek #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Interested in Spelman College? Attend the in-person preview session:

*No RSVP needed*

To qualify you must be a current high school Junior or Senior planning to attend an HBCU! Applying is simple, 3 easy steps: . 1. Download The HBCU HUB App . 2. Create your academic profile . 3. Submit your Scholarship Video . . . HBCU HUB is giving 2 different students $500 each towards their admission into an HBCU! They are picking students every month for the rest of 2021. Submit Your Scholarship Video (jotform.com)

This year’s fall Tiger Access Program will again be virtual with the possibility of an in-person program for admitted students in the spring. Interested students can choose to participate in one of two programs either on: Sunday, September 26 or Sunday, October 17. Each of these programs will give students the opportunity to connect with the Admission office, student support services and current students of different majors and backgrounds.

Below is a sample of the virtual programming for our Tiger Access Programs (TAP):

• Introduction to Occidental & the liberal arts
• Transitioning to college and academic support
• Breakout sessions
• Current student panel

We are looking for students who have taken some of the most rigorous classes available at their high school, have made an outstanding community impact or maintained significant family responsibilities, and who align with the mission of our residential college. While Occidental does not have any testing or GPA minimums for admission to the College, competitive students have excelled throughout their four years of high school. For more detailed information, it might be helpful to review our first-year class profile.

The final deadline for students to apply for TAP is September 10, 2021. The application includes two short essay prompts, a high school transcript(s) (unofficial screenshot is accepted) and demographic information. Testing will be optional for all applicants in the academic year of 2021-2022. Students have the option of submitting official or self-reported test scores (PSAT is accepted). Students will be notified in mid-September.

If you’re planning to apply, please notify me asap.

Ms. Aldrete

College & Career Counselor