• Suicide Prevention

  • Suicide can deeply impact students, families, and our community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 15–24 and the third leading cause among ages 10–14. On average, two Wake County students die by suicide each year.

    Together, we can help protect our children.

    Our approach
    Trained school staff work every day to identify and support students who may be at risk.

    When needed, WCPSS professionals will screen students, contact families, and connect them with community services. We watch, we listen, and we act without judgment. Suicide is never the answer.

    Youth suicide warning signs

    • Talking about or planning suicide
    • Expressing hopelessness about the future
    • Showing overwhelming emotional pain
    • Withdrawing from friends or activities
    • Changes in sleep patterns
    • Anger or irritability that is out of character
    • Increased agitation

    How you can help

    If you notice any warning signs:

    1. Ask if the person is okay or thinking about suicide.

    2. Express your concern about their behavior.

    3. Listen without judgment.

    4. Reflect what you hear to show understanding.

    5. Stay with them and let them know they are not alone.

    6. Encourage them to get help.

    7. Guide them to professional support right away.

    If you are concerned about immediate danger, call 911.

    Crisis lines and resources

    Emergency services

    Call 911 or go to any local Hospital Emergency Room

    (Wake Med, Rex, Duke Raleigh, UNC)

    NC Hopeline
    24 Hour Crisis Line: 919-231-4525

    hopeline-nc.org

    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    Call 988 (available 24/7), TEXT 988
    Visit 988lifeline.org

    Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Youth 24/7 Lifeline

    1-866-488-7386

    thetrevorproject.org/

    Say Something - Anonymous Reporting System

    1-844-572-9669

    Online Reporting System

    Behavioral Health Urgent Care Locations:

    Monarch Walk-In Clinic
    319 Chapanoke Rd, Suite 120
    Raleigh, NC 27603
    (919) 703-2845

    Hope Center (Kids Peace) Walk-In Clinic 

    400 W. Ransom Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
    (877) 888-7849

    Carolina Outreach Walk-In Clinic

    2670 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham, NC 27707
    (919) 251-9009

    Mobile Crisis Services

    Kids Peace, Mobile Outreach Response Engagement & Stabilization (MORES)
    (484) 215-6756

    Therapeutic Alternatives

    1-877-626-1777

    Alliance Behavioral Health
    Member and Recipient Services 800-510-9132

    alliancehealthplan.org/

    Alliance Behavioral Health Crisis Line: 877-223-4617 

    Websites

    American Association of Suicidology

    American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

    Suicide Awareness Voices of Education