Educators in Decorah and throughout NE Iowa are getting a new suicide prevention curriculum

(Back row from left to right): Pat Lehmann, Tiphanie Keefe, Amy Holst and Suzie Maas (Front row from left to right): Brooke Gassman and Cindy Henriksen

The 22 school districts in the Keystone Area Education Association are getting help with suicide education for students.
 
Money raised at the Step Up and Reach Out Suicide Awareness Walk in Decorah last October has paid for 24 copies of the Hazelden curriculum. Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health Director Marcia Oltrogge says after working with Keystone AEA to evaluate a variety of curriculum options, the Hazelden curriculum was chosen because of its ability to be utilized in multiple grades and school districts. "It also dovetails with a curriculum we used the walk funds for a few years ago. The same language and processes helps with consistency," adds Oltrogge.

Each school district will be offered the opportunity to attend training on the new curriculum, with a stipend to assist with the cost to attend the training.  In addition, wallet-size suicide prevention cards will be distributed to all students at the conclusion of the training.