Office of Suicide & Violence Prevention

OFFICE OF SUICIDE & VIOLENCE PREVENTION

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Quarterly Newsletter School Violence and Suicide In this issue: Page Update on Legislative Changes in Broward County……………………………………...... 1 LGBTQ School Violence Prevention...... 2 Suicide Prevention Month at a glance…………………………………………………………. 4 Suicide Prevention Training ...... ………………………………………………………………. 5 School Violence Interview...... ………………..………………...... 7 Interview with Lori Alhadeff...... …………………………...... 13

IMPORTANT DAY FOR SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE UPCOMEING PRESENTATIONS: In January, NSU’s College of Survivor Day is the one day a year when people affected by suicide Student Affairs Association will loss gather around the world at events in their local communities to host Dr. Stefany Marcus’s find comfort and gain understanding as they share stories of healing Suicide and Violence and hope. On Saturday, November 17, 2018, loss survivors gathered Prevention Presentation.

around the globe in small and large events and grew together in their In February, NSU’s College of grief journey. Each event was unique and offered various programing, Health Care Sciences Student however each event site featured an American Foundation for Affairs will host Dr. Stefany Marcus’s Stress Management Suicide Prevention (AFSP) produced documentary that offers a Presentation. message of growth, resilience, and connection. - https://afsp.org/find- support/ive-lost-someone/survivor-day/ In February, Dr. Scott Poland will be the keynote speaker on school violence for the UPDATE ON LEGISLATIVE CHANGES IN Pennsylvania School Administrators Association. BROWARD COUNTY Samuel Soria, Jr. At the National Association of School Psychologists On February 14, 2018, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Convention in February, Dr. suffered a mass murder shooting massacre (McCarthy, 2018). Significant Scott Poland will provide two reformations surrounding the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School invited workshops: Suicide shooting were declared on February 23, 2018, by Governor Rick Scott. The Prevention and Suicide two following bills were passed: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Postvention. Public Safety Act (SB – 7026) and the Public Records Meetings/School Safety Act (SB – 1940). The overbearing goal of the new legislation laws were to In March, Dr. Scott Poland will provide the keynote on make public schools safer while restricting access to lethal means to suicide prevention at the mentally ill and deranged persons. Key characteristics are listed below: Oregon State Suicide • Gun control restrictions have strengthened in order to prevent Prevention Conference. dangerous individuals gaining access to lethal firearms.

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• Financial resources were allocated to support Mental Health initiatives and enhancing school safety.

Below, the following provisions were made by Governor Rick Scott (Florida Government, 2018): • The addition of “Risk Protection Orders” prevents violent or mentally ill individuals from purchasing or owning a firearm. • Law enforcement is able to petition a court file to have an individual surrender their firearm if suspected to be dangerous • Law enforcement officers are able to seize firearms from those detained under the “Baker Act”. • Individuals in the general population must be at least 21-years-old to purchase any firearm in addition to a newly formed three-day waiting period. • Violent threats to schools will now have a higher penalty for those making them. • Bump stocks, a machine gun modification, is now banned of sale and possession

Efforts in Enhancing School Safety and Mental Health Initiatives have been implemented since. Key characteristics are listed below: • Each school in the state of Florida now requires a safe-school officer whom are sworn-in law enforcement officers • Some teachers will be allowed to carry firearms after a comprehensive 132-hour training. • Mandatory active shooter trainings in schools are required every semester; District employees and first responders are associated with the school system are required to participate. • School buildings will now have specific school safety needs, such as bulletproof glass, steel doors, upgraded locks, and metal detectors. • Communication for purposes of sharing information is made easier between state officials and communities. • Additionally, every student in Florida will have access to a mental health counselor. • Every school in Florida is required to have monthly reviews of potential threats to students and staff.

Ultimately, more changes are likely to happen. Most recently in October, media organizations and community members began filing law suits in order to obtain state records surrounding government official’s involvement in the shooting. Additionally, the community has started searching for documented evidence surrounding disciplinary actions against the deranged former student and official’s responses to them. Nevertheless, the efforts of all state, federal, government, and community members are, in spite of the tragedy, favorable to reformation.

References McCarthy, J. (2018). Florida school shooting: Worst school shooting in the U.S. history. Florida Today

Resources Florida Senate. (2018). CS/SB 7026: Public safety. Retrieved from: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/20 Florida Senate. (2018). SB 1940: Public records and public meetings/School safety. Retrieved from: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1940

LGBTQ SCHOOL VIOLENCE PREVENTION Breanne Stewart In October, Nova Southeastern University School and suicide prevention. However, in a small, tucked Psychology students and professors packed their away 30-seat conference room that became bags for a week in Orlando to attend the Florida standing room only, was a presentation that Association of School Psychology (FASP) conference. discussed a pressing issue that affects all students, Various presentations included topics such as Social faculty, and staff within a school. This is an issue that Emotional Learning, gun violence from the has gained more attention in the last few years but perspective of Parkland student survivor Aly Sheehy, has always been, and will always be present. When

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parents think about their children participating in compulsory education, they often wonder the quality of the education, the extra-curricular programs that the school offers, or perhaps tutoring QUICK RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION services or special education supports that are ON LGBTQ EDUCATION AND POLICIES present. They are not concerned about the school staff knowing how to protect a student who does not identify like the majority of their peers. They do focus The Yes Institute: http://www.yesinstitue.org/ on creating policies within the school to keep their The Yes Institute specializes in educating others on children who identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) spectrum safe. For topics of gender and orientation. They have been some students, these and other protective factors instrumental in helping Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, may be the difference between life or death, Broward, and Hillsboro counties create their especially if the student’s family does not accept them. transgender inclusive school policies. NSU’s third year school psychology doctoral Equality Florida: http://www.eqfl.org/ student Juliette Hubbard, third year school specialist Equality Florida typically works with school boards and student Breanne Taylor, and professor in the psychology doctoral programs Dr. Peter Caproni superintendents to educate them on federal, state, and spoke specifically in their presentation entitled local laws. Equality Florida consults on what schools Promoting Family Acceptance for LGBT can legally do versus what is against the law while Adolescence about the struggles that ensue within families and schools that involve an LGBT child or helping them to develop policies. adolescent. Juliette began the presentation by Safe Schools: http://www.fldoe.org/safe-schools addressing the challenges these students face at Safe Schools, in partnership with the Florida Department home and school. She focused on the high rates of family rejection that result in homelessness, of Education works on creating policies and programs depression, and suicide. Juliette expressed that to help all students in schools. Safe Schools Florida has depression rates that are 5.9% higher than the a large mental health section and a small section that national average is due to a family’s rejection of sexual orientation. Additionally, students that identify mentions best practices for LGBT students. as gay or lesbian are statistically eight times more National Association of School Psychologists: likely to attempt suicide than students who do not http://www.nasp.org/ identify as gay or lesbian. The National Association of School Psychologists has a Following Juliette, Breanne discussed the current climate of transgender students within schools and large database with papers relating to research and families. Similar to gay and lesbian students, best practices when working with gay and lesbian or transgender students are also subjected to higher transgender students and their families. rates of suicide, depression, and bullying. Suicide attempt rates amongst these students are at a GLSEN: http://www.glsen.org/ staggering 41%, as compared to 3% of the U.S. One of the most comprehensive research organizations population. Transgender students are more likely to relating to LGBT students in American schools. GLSEN experience both psychological distress and physical abuse by family members the earlier they reveal their conducts a school climate survey every two years that departure from traditional gender binaries of male or examines the obstacles LGBT students face. Their female. This includes dressing either androgynous or comprehensive analysis breaks apart L,G,B,T versus the in clothing that is typically associated with the student’s opposite gender. heterosexual population to show the need for Breanne went on to hypothesize that the family education and policies relating to LGBT students abuse of an LGBT child may be rooted in fear. When parents do not understand or they rely on what they

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have seen in the media, they become scared that Dr. Caproni stressed client-centered care. It is their child will not grow up to be ‘normal’ or important to know as much as possible about the accepted. Their parents read about negative student and family before going into the first session consequences that happen to individuals who with them. He urged that the therapist know about identify as LGBT and do not want that to happen to the client’s culture, religion, and beliefs. Only after their child. In some instances, parents try to ‘beat’ getting a good idea about the family dynamics and the “gay” or “transgender” out of their child in hopes their beliefs should a meeting be scheduled. that if they can make their children heterosexual or Breanne pointed out that it may be necessary to identify with the gender that they were assigned at discard ‘typical’ techniques learned in therapy. It is birth that everything will be okay. vital to meet the family where they are in order to So how can we help the parents of students who allow space for them to discuss their feelings without identify as either lesbian, gay, or transgender? feeling judged. Avoid key phrases such as “I Through education and support. It is new and scary understand” and replace with “I can’t imagine how for parents who have a child who identifies as part of difficult this may be for you and your family.” Let the the LGBT spectrum. Some do not know the first thing family lead the session. As a therapist, it is important to do, what to think, or how to help. They have a lot to remember that the parents’ feelings are being of questions. For some, this may go against their fueled by fear. The parents may be caught between religious beliefs, for others, this may go against their their cultural beliefs, what their culture tells them culture. It is important for parents to seek resources, about the LGBT community, and how their child may to help them understand their questions, and personally affect them. Dr. Caproni reminds us that it therapy, to help them make sense of what they are is ultimately the parents’ decisions in caring for their feeling. This is where a school psychologist can play child, but remember that statistics show their child a huge role. If there is a student that comes to you may have less than a 50% chance of survival. about not feeling safe at home, wanting to tell their Juliette, Breanne, and Dr. Caproni ended with parents about identifying as part of the LGBT discussing resources that are available locally and spectrum, or that their parents kicked them out of nationally. These resources are included below. their home and onto the streets, it is vital to provide Please contact any one of these resources if you or as much support for both the student and the someone you know is working with an LGBT family or parents as possible. When meeting with the parents, student and needs assistance. Breanne and Dr. Caproni offer a few suggestions.

References Durso, L. E., & Gates, G. J. (2012). Serving our youth: Findings from a national survey of service providers working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Los Angeles: The Williams Institute with True Colors Fund and The Palette Fund. Grossman, A. H., D’Augelli, A. R., Howell, T. J., & Hubbard, S. (2005). Parent’s reactions to transgender youth’s gender nonconforming expression and identity. Journal of Gay &Lesbian Social Services, 18, 3-16, doi:10.1300/J041v18n01 Grossman, A. H., & D’Augelli, A. R. (2007). Transgender youth and life-threatening behaviors. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 37, 527-537, doi: 10.1521/suli.2007.37.5.527 McConnell, E. A., Birkett, M., & Mustanski, B. (2016). Families matter: Social support and mental health trajectories among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 59, 674-680, doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.07.026. Ryan, C. R. (2009). Supportive families, healthy children: Helping families with lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender children. San Francisco, CA: Family Acceptance Project, Marian Wright Edelman Institute, San Francisco State University. Ryan, C. R., Russell, S. T., Huebner, D., Diaz, R. M., & Sanchez, J. (2010). Family acceptance in adolescence and the health of LGBT young adults. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 23, 205-213, doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6171.2010.00246.x

Resources GSLEN school climate 2017 executive summary https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/GLSEN 2017 National School Climate Survey %28NSCS%29 - Executive Summary %28English%29.pdf

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SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH AT A GLANCE Samantha Guy The month of September was a busy month for the Office hospitalization, etc.). Dr. Flemons also gave a Suicide of Suicide and Violence Prevention (SVP). In an effort to Prevention Presentation to NSU medical students on suicide promote National Suicide Prevention month Dr. Poland, Dr. myths and warning signs. Flemons, and the SVP team participated in numerous events The last week of September held two large events that throughout the community. Kicking off the month was the culminated the promotion of National Suicide Awareness Suicide Awareness Week Event on September 7th in which month. On September 25th, Make Our Schools Safe the Family Medicine Club (SAACOFP) and the Mental Health (makeoursschoolssafe.org) hosted the Keeping Our Awareness Taskforce (MHATF) hosted a candle lighting Community Safe event at the Watercrest Clubhouse in ceremony for suicide awareness. Following the ceremony Parkland, FL. This organization was started by the newly several speakers addressed the audience on various topics appointed school board member, Lori Alhadeff, who lost her focusing on suicide awareness. Student survivors of suicide daughter, Alyssa, in the Stonemen Douglas shooting last spoke about their experiences of losing friends and family to February. The event hosted a 2-1-1 presentation about their suicide and their own mental health struggles. Dr. Poland, services and Dr. Poland spoke on behalf of SVP about suicide representing SVP, gave personal examples of his experience assessment to parents. On September 29th, NSPIRE and the with losing a family member to suicide. He explained the Student Organization for the Advocacy of Psychology importance of physicians assessing for suicidality and (SOAP) hosted an “Out of Darkness” back to school social. provided statistics about how many people who die by The social provided the opportunity for psychology students suicide seek out physicians before completing suicide. and friends to reunite, share their experiences, and According to Ahmedani (2015), 64% of people who attempt celebrate the beginning of a new school year. This month- suicide visit a doctor in the month before their attempt. Dr. long event offered students, faculty, and staff alike the Poland also demonstrated effective ways to assess for opportunity to share resources and stories on this highly suicide. Additionally, Jackie Rosen of the Florida Initiative for stigmatized topic. By reaching out to those affected, raising Suicide Prevention (FISP) gave a presentation on the awareness, connecting individuals to treatment services, numerous warning signs to suicide and how to better assess and providing a wealth of information, NSU and their various for it. organizations demonstrated a collective passion and The following week, Dr. Poland interviewed with “On The strength towards the prevention and intervention of suicide. Couch” Radio Talk Show in Baltimore, MD where he provided statistics on risks to suicide and ways to prevent it. On campus at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), the SVP Resources from Suicide Prevention office and NSU Students for Prevention, Intervention, and Response to Emergencies (NSPIRE) collaborated to set up a Month table in the NSU College of Psychology building where information on awareness and facts about suicide FISP: prevention was provided to students, faculty, and staff. On September 12th, NSPIRE hosted “Words of Wisdom https://fisponline.org/survivors- Wednesday” in which they asked NSU College of Psychology infor/support-groups/ students, faculty, and staff to write inspirational messages for Information about survivor support local suicide survivor support groups. On September 14th, NSPIRE and SVP presented “Myth Busters Friday” in an effort groups to debunk myths about suicide through an interactive game Dr. Stefany Marcus’s interview with the NSU discussing myths and facts about suicide. Newspaper can be found at: The third week of September continued with Dr. Stefany Marcus’s, SVP’s post-doctoral resident, interview with NSU’s https://nsucurrent.nova.edu/2018/09/25 Newspaper, The Current, in which she discussed the stigma /treat-the-person-treat-the-stigma- of suicide and the need for an awareness of the importance suicide-and-mental-health-awareness- of mental health at NSU. Later that week, Dr. Flemons presented a workshop on Relational Suicide Assessment. He at-nsu/ discussed key points for therapists, psychologists, and mental health professionals to know about warning signs, risk assessment, and intervention (e.g., safety planning,

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References Ahmedani, B. K. (2015). Racial/ethnic differences in health care visits made before suicide attempt across the United States. Medical Care 53(5), 430-435.

SUICIDE PREVENTION STUDENTS PRESENT ON SUICIDE TRAINING TRAINING AND PREVENTION TO SCHOOL Samuel Soria, Jr. & Samantha Vance PSYCHOLOGISTS Suicide prevention initiatives are becoming a greater concern amongst professional students for a valid reason. According to the American At the recent Florida Association or School Foundation for Suicide Prevention (2016), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States Psychologists (FASP) annual conference in (U.S.). Suicide is prevalent, does not discriminate, Orlando, FL, NSU students Alexa Beck, Pamela and is difficult to identify. Nevertheless, the Master’s level graduate students in counseling with a clinical Hirsh, Samantha Guy, and Frances Bigay along mental health counseling concentration, at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) are taking initiative in with faculty Dr. Gene Cash and Dr. Sarah Valley- obtaining the proper trainings to make a positive Gray gave two presentations on suicide training impact in those suffering from suicidality. This training was led by Dr. Stefany Marcus, Psy. D., and prevention. One presentation discussed a whom works in the NSU’s Office of Suicide and suicide training program based on 10 key Violence Prevention. The workshop training began with an competency areas in suicide assessment. The introduction to suicidality. Time was spent breaking other presentation focused on the key down barriers to mental health stigma surrounding suicide. Namely, rephrasing “committing suicide” components of a suicide assessment along with to “die by suicide”. The benefit underlying this is suicide awareness, taking away the word “commit” research from Nova’s Standardized Patient as it is usually referred to committing a criminal act Project at the College of Psychology. against someone else. Not only does this integrate community efforts to destigmatize suicide, but it also helps prevent isolation amongst those burdensomeness (Joiner, 2005; Van Orden, Witte, suffering. Facts were shared, including: suicide is the Cukrowicz, Braithwaite, Selby & Joiner, 2011). 2nd leading cause of death between 10 and 34- Thwarted belongingness refers to an individual’s year-olds; suicide rates have increased in all states, inability to feel a sense of connection between except Nevada; Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska themselves and others. Perceived burdensomeness see the most deaths by suicide; and the leading refers to an individual’s degraded sense of purpose. method of suicide is the use of a firearm. These When these two psychological mindsets are statistics may appear discouraging and alarming. compounded with the ability to enact lethality, So, how can one individual make a significant individuals are at high risk for suicide. impact? Once students learned how to properly The identification of key variables in suicidality identify the variables presented by the IPTS, and dissemination of these variables are ways one students were taught specific techniques on how to individual can make a withstanding impact. The thoroughly assess for suicide. One effective and workshop training equipped students with the most promoted method is to directly ask the client, “Are prevalent contemporary theory of suicidology: The you thinking about killing yourself?” It was Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide emphasized to the students that they should (2005). The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of practice empathy while speaking to their Suicide (IPTS) indicates individuals suffering from potentially suicidal clients, for they are individuals suicidality require two variables as precursors: the who may be greatly suffering. They were also desire to die by suicide and the ability to use fatal instructed on how to proceed with a potentially means (Joiner, 2005). Two psychological mindsets suicidal patient/client. Intervention strategies, such are identified according to the IPTS, they are thwarted belongingness and perceived

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as restricting means, safety-planning, and The of the workshop training to break down barriers and Florida Baker Act were comprehensively discussed. promote mental health awareness. Ultimately, the During the course of the presentation, two students felt the workshop training was helpful students were encouraged to role-play. Their for their future practica experience where they objective was to identify risk factors and ask direct anticipate counseling individuals whom may be questions related to suicide. For some, these suffering from suicidality. questions were atypical and difficult to To conclude, the suicide prevention workshop communicate during role-play. Nevertheless, training was a success. Students learned how to students’ reactions to the role-plays were profound destigmatize suicidality and mental health. The and showed clinical competence growth in the facts have been presented regarding suicide, as subject, based on their statements. For students Lisa well as the key variables that make assessments Hernandez and Christine Sadler, both felt more effective. Students were encouraged to uncomfortable about directly and openly asking explore outside their comfort levels while achieving whether their client had plans to kill themselves. their objective in preventing suicide. The tools Their initial reaction to their discomfort is because taught and implemented during the role-playing they did not want to offend their client. In addition, portion helped students gain clinical competence the future clinicians took culture in consideration when encountering individuals suffering from and felt that suicide and mental health, in general, suicidality. There is no doubt, the initiative these is taboo in specific cultures. This reinforces the point students exemplify will help save lives from suicide.

SCHOOL VIOLENCE INTERVIEW With Scott Poland Ed.D. and Douglas Flemons Ph.D. Douglas Flemons [DF]: Well tragic school shootings. So, the the impact is really quite as we are talking today, on the initial consultation focused on extensive when you have such 20th of March there is another how important it is to get a a tragic situation but also one school shooting in Maryland. team of people together and that was so highly publicized We are still reeling from the one take steps to try to provide with the media. So, the focus in our backyard, in Parkland. immediate supports to families was really twofold. Stoneman You recently went to a meeting and students that were really Douglas, a plan was made and with high level folks in the affected. But a couple days it was interesting that those of Broward County school system later there was a key us in attendance were asked to to do some forward planning. administrative meeting held sign basically a confidentiality Can you talk about and I was one of agreement not to say a word what, how that the people about what the plan was for meeting got invited, and Stoneman Douglas faculty and scheduled and “Schools almost there were a lot students because the plan was what your of top level made but it had not been participation was? always underestimate Broward presented to them yet, so it’d Scott Poland administrators been really inappropriate for us [SP]: I certainly can, the impact of a there who were to go out and talk about when and this is Scott. I school shooting.” close to the school would resume, what actually received a superintendent. kind of services would be call from the The available. One thing that we director of student superintendent suggested was that there be services in Broward, I wasn’t personally sort of an open house kind of was away at a conference, in the meeting, but we were event where parents and and the Broward Schools is really looking at what do we do students could come back to actually a place where I have now and how to move forward. the school together and be done a lot of training for school DF: What do we do know about with each other and walk psychologists, counselors, and how to move forward, not only around. social workers about crisis for Stoneman Douglas, but for DF: Before it was open. intervention, and they were general? SP: Yes. And then that aware that I’ve helped a lot of SP: Yes, yes, because one there also be key support for other school systems after of the points that I made was faculty by themselves even

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before the open house, and architects can do a lot so that school shooting. I was very sorry then support for the faculty there is both that element of to report that increases in after the open house as the familiarity and a sense that this suicides also usually follow students were actually out of isn’t the same place that all of school shootings. I talked school for a number of days. our friends died. And that’s a about the fact that there would And so, a pretty careful plan huge undertaking but a be a lot of people volunteering, was being crafted and there dramatic way of sending a and that’s a wonderful thing was input from myself and quite message to the community as that they want to all come help a few other people. well. and provide support and DF: Did you talk about the fate SP: This is, you know, a fairly specifically counseling. of the building where the difficult question in terms of DF: But it only gets offered for shooting took place? making a plan. And to be the first, short amount of time. In SP:Yes, I did. I indicated I honest, it’s a decision that the crisis mode time. was asked when I responded to probably should be made after SP: That’s true, but there is the shooting at Columbine High several months of study in terms the potential given the School, what did I think about of getting input from lots of tremendous resources to keep tearing down the building. My people. But also recognizing that going over a period of response, which I shared with you are not going to please time. And I also said, in one the Broward School officials, everyone. I did also share that experience I had, the school was unfortunately when we at Virginia Tech, most of the was given a lot of money to hire tear down a building, that glorifies the actions of the disturbed young man to a pretty broad level. Period. I recommend that they do “...help the faculty first, help the adults, help the staff, help exactly what Columbine did, which was basically pretty the parents, help them know the typical reactions that dramatic remodeling and then children have to a tragedy...” re-open with the same building. And I did say, in following school shootings in the U.S. for four decades, there’s only been one time that a public school was torn down, and that victims were at a building mental health professionals, but was Sandy Hook Elementary called Norris Hall, was not torn there was no place for them to School, and the cost to rebuild down, it is now a peace center. work. And at Santana High was about $60 million. And my So, in other words, it’s being School in California, the statement was, I personally utilized for something that’s decision was made to move a believe as a psychologist, $10 hopefully helpful and trailer onto campus so the six million to remodel it, give it a preventative. new counselors actually had a dramatic new look, new DF: Re-purposed. place to work, because school entrance, sky lights, but then SP: Re-purposed. buildings, they just don’t have spend the other $50 million on Absolutely. I shared a couple of empty offices sitting there. And something that might actually other thoughts based on the counseling needs to be prevent the next school having responded, sadly, to 15 confidential. shooting. other previous school DF: It takes a lot of foresight on DF: That would be great if it shootings, and you never know the part of the school could work that way. What they how much of these are actually administrators to be able to did in Columbine was brilliant. heard at this particular time recognize there’s going to be And the logic behind it, I guess because the crisis creates quite mental health needs here it’s what you presented, was a state of disequilibrium. It’s going forward. This extent not you have to allow the students really like things have to be only in terms of the amount of to have familiarity but to discussed, they have to be students that are affected in the change the feeling of it so that written down, the key people short term but also in the extent they don’t go back in and be have to weigh in and have their of time. This isn’t something that re-traumatized. But that they say. But I said, in all honesty, gets resolved within a few can reclaim it, or claim it anew schools almost always weeks. for themselves. And the underestimate the impact of a

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SP: I shared with them, and which are regression personnel, and our university you’ve made an excellent academically, behaviorally, has provided lots of training to point, some psychologists in nightmares, worries, and Broward over the years. So, we Israel taught me what they call sleeping problems. Those are need to recognize that, but still the 60-20-20 Rule. Meaning not atypical, those a pretty it’s their school system and we that 60 percent of us we would much the concerns for all the discussed lots of ways to estimate, given our existing students, and we want the support the staff. We talked support, our coping adults to respond with about the importance of using mechanisms, our family, our patience, structure, tolerance. therapy dogs, which I’ve seen faith, we’re going to be OK. We want to resume routines, we to just be amazing in helping Twenty percent will have some want to make sure the adults people to get just a little bit of minor problems, but we also are never talking at kids but relief. We talked about doing a have to predict 20 percent will talking with them. And most lot of special activities for the have major problems. And we importantly, always be there to staff and having things like need to be prepared for things listen. I shared that I’ve been massages, having plans that like birthdays that the 17 victims invited back to a few hopefully set some limits for staff would have had. We need to communities even years after so that they feel like they get a be looking at milestones, like the tragic school shooting, and break from this. And it’s almost the graduation ceremony that sadly sometimes I hear impossible to outline all the sadly some kids will not be at. somebody who lost a loved things that have been done to We need to recognizing one say, “everybody tells me I try to help them, but as you and planning over the long term should be over this by now, they I know, family therapy students and even for, unfortunately, the say I don’t want to hear you talk have been there. Clinical anniversary, which will come on about that anymore”. And we school psychology counseling February 14th, 2019. This is all really need to make sure that students have volunteered, about being there for the long over the long haul in Broward, numerous faculty have been haul. I also shared another in Parkland, at Marjorie there. I know that teams of recommendation, one that, Stoneman Douglas, there’s people have been sent from unfortunately, always going to be the schools throughout our I’ve not really permission to talk state and one of my colleagues seen about it and that I served on a national crisis implemented. “They have a lot of ongoing help for team with from Dade County And that is the personnel, they have a those that need it. Schools was assigned there for mental health DF: I love your idea literally weeks along with other wellness lot of really great highly of helping, of key crisis personnel from Dade recovery for trained personnel.” reaching out the County. staff and faculty first because DF: Oh, that’s wonderful students needs of course not only SP: And I think Broward is to to become the kids are not be commended for basically somebody’s job. Not sleeping, that are having welcoming all this support. something they’re trying to do nightmares, and are having Sometimes the school district is in addition, but it needs to behavioral disturbances and so like, “Oh, we got this covered become their job. And that on, so are the adults. And they because we have our own means probably be best to are having to come in and be staff”. Well, no schools have have that be a person already there for their students in a very enough staff in the mental inside the system, but you take open and compassionate way, health realm, and then your away all those other duties, the and they may well not be staff, they actually have other other 4 things they were in themselves in a position to offer things their supposed to do. It’s charge of, so that you have a excellent support for their not like everyone at school can point person who is really students if they are also not drop every one of their regular following up. Another point somehow being taken care of. duties very long to attend to this that I was really able to make SP: I think a couple of really crisis. So, it’s really wonderful, that’s pretty straightforward, great things about Broward first of all, that so many people that it’s like help the faculty first, County is we know it’s the sixth have volunteered, but very help the adults, help the staff, largest school district in the important that they actually help the parents, help them nation. They have a lot of accepted that help. know the typical reactions that personnel, they have a lot of DF: Yeah. Do you know what’s children have to a tragedy, really great highly trained also wonderful is to see the

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young people, the students of in Kentucky, which was really in my class more than a month Marjorie Stoneman Douglas focusing on changing the ago, which was before the reach out to, to make a stand, prevalence of violence in our shooting in Parkland, I actually and that commitment to video games, television printed out for my students my change the way gun policy programs, movies. And then in 1999, my first congressional works in this country is really addition there’s also Racial testimony, and I made them remarkable. It seems like that’s Challenge, founded in memory read it. And one of them raised not only potentially going to of Rachael Scott, who died at his hand and says, “this was make a difference for the Columbine High School, which three weeks before country, but a huge difference focuses a lot on compassion Columbine”, yes, that’s right. for their own recovery. and kindness, but also focuses Another one said, “you could SP: You made and on religion as a wonderful way have written this yesterday”. excellent point, and I was to connect with people. And I And the things that I called for reflecting on other school often think that every single where things like help for kids shootings where I’ve been one of those foundations has a that are disillusioned and are involved, it’s really been pretty good point. But not not connected to their schools, parents, parents that lost their enough has been done and common sense gun legislation, child at school to a tragic that’s why your are bringing up taking guns out of the hands of shooting that the students, children in our country. And I have stepped perhaps this is the shared a lot of examples in my forward and first time that we’ve work, and to be honest, I’ve there are a “It should be about really had a looked back on that testimony number of survivors, it should be significant and thought, maybe I talked to foundations movement led by much about guns, but I felt and those about mental health students. And I for strongly about it in 1999 and I parents are to changes in prevention one am 100 percent feel strongly about it now. It’s be behind them and like, OK, the gun didn’t cause commended. and not trying to am just hopeful that the shooting, the gun was the There’s Safe answer the motivation” it will continue and means, but while were working and Sound really be embraced on all these complex issues that Schools, which of this young man.” by high school are part of the cause of school was started by students and violence, it would seem pretty parents in college students all simple to do something about Sandy Hook, that’s focusing on around the country. the means. more collaboration between DF: Social media is really DF: Well we know that in order school officials and police. It’s playing a huge part. It’s a relief to protect people from suicide also focusing on mental health. for me to so see social media when their highly agitated, Then you also have Sandy Hook really being useful, being highly desperate, is the most Promise, also started by parents helpful, in a situation like this effective thing you can do is who lost children at the Sandy because so often it contributes limit access to means. You Hook school shooting. That to the danger that the students can’t rush in and change how particular organization are experiencing. It can their thinking about the end of certainly also focuses on contribute to the contagion their life, you can do that over a mental health but they are effect of suicidality and so on, period of time, and you can promoting what they refer to as but in this instance, it seems to support them, get social common sense changes for be a galvanizing force and connections, have a therapist gun laws in our country. Other teenagers across the contrary involved. But the immediate foundations have been started are furious and seem to be thing you can do is limit the as well. There’s the No wanting to make a difference ability they have to take their Notoriety Foundation, which when elections come around. life if they feel like they’re that was started by parents who lost SP: I think you’ve made an desperate. So, it seems a very their son in the shooting at the excellent point, and perhaps at logical first step to have the theater in the Denver area, and no time in our history could capacity when officials, at then you have the I Love You social media really be so whatever level, are concerned Guys Foundation started by productive in hopefully about the well-being of an parents in Bailey, Colorado, galvanizing everybody in such individual who’s upset to have and you had a foundation in an important movement. Now some legal means of limiting Heath High Schools aftermath I wanted to share with you that their access to weapons.

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SP: Absolutely, I totally kind of competition around, that takes over, and just a sense agree with you and you know, can I meet your record or go that well we’ll just have to put this is part of a subject matter beyond it? With an idea of up with this. This is why I’m so we cover in our master’s level somehow notoriety being an charged by these young class on violence. One thing avenue for a sense of self or a people who are fed up and are that I’ve been really sense of meaning we are not willing to stand up and look concerned about is the going to be able to solve the politicians in the eye and say I extensive media coverage. problem that way, but as we don’t want it to be this way There are people, and I think know from Australia, there is a anymore. they’re frankly correct, that say way to at least profoundly limit SP: I totally agree with you things like, “Whenever we have the potential for mayhem, and and I think it’s important to a dramatic coverage of a mass that is you end access to recognize that some of the shooting in this country, weapons of mass destruction. Stoneman Douglass Students unfortunately we can predict another one in a short space of time”. So, we’ve had dramatic coverage and I always like to emphasize what should the “...I think, to be honest, all of us need to step up, all of us story all be about? It should be need to make sure that our voice is heard, whatever your about victims, it should be about survivors, it should be viewpoint, we need to make sure that our voice is heard.” about mental health changes in prevention and not trying to answer the motivation of this young man. In fact, I think we could fulfill the mission of no SP: You make an excellent are old enough to vote. All of notoriety by we won’t even point, and without going into them will be old enough to vote mention his name here today. too much detail about the in a very short period of time, But one reporter and interview changes in Australia, it would and I do hope that our that I did said, “OK, but he’s still make a lot of sense that the U.S. politicians will pay attention alive. Is he going to be able to would actually look at some and I think, to be honest, all of give us answers?”. And I said, other countries around world. us need to step up, all of us “Well, you know sadly, the What is it they’re doing that need to make sure that our school shooters that did survive we’re not since other countries voice is heard, whatever your that horrific day that have have so few gun deaths, and viewpoint is, we need to make been interviewed even more just be open to maybe as a sure that our voice is heard. than a decade later, it’s like country we don’t actually have There’s one other area that’s they’re never able to give us all the answers, and some other really concerned me in that I any kind of an explanation that countries, like Australia, like hear statements all the time is helpful to us in terms of Scotland, made some changes about how big a problem knowing what to do”. And, so I and maybe we should look at school shootings are, I talk to think that part is really those also. people that feel like the next frustrating. DF: What can happen is school shooting is right around DF: Yeah, they can’t get us the other effect of ongoing the corner right in their inside of their head while media coverage is we can particular school. And I want to they’re well enough for us to become a nerd. We just take it say clearly that I believe one then take all the measures as a dangerous place to arrive violent death on a campus in necessary to find them, to find at, a sense of helplessness, America is totally the next one before he strikes. there’s nothing I can do despite unacceptable. But, all of the So, it can be a fruitless search the fact that, what, 84 percent, data still shows that schools are that as, and what your implying, you might know the statistic, of actually the safest places which I so much agree, is in American’s are in support of children can possibly be. I’m focusing our attention on the limiting access or ending really sorry to tell you most kids shooter, we have the access to semi-automatic in America get murdered in unfortunate effect of somehow weapons. Still, the legislators, their own homes and if not in making that person a potential who the NRA have them in their their own homes, in the hero for other disaffected pocket, are unwilling to act, community. Now, it’ll be a youth. And then there’s some and so there can be a malaise while before we have the

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absolute data for the 2017 and aren’t aware of the number of depressed, with a lot of adverse 2018 school year, however, I high school students, middle childhood experiences. There’s know the data from last year, school students, elementary been a lot of focus, and a lot of 2016 to 2017, Everytown, U.S.A., school students who are taking finger pointing in Broward which is actually an their lives through suicide, County, and I think the point we organization that promotes gun losing their lives to suicide far, should make is that there will be law changes, so if anything, far exceeds the numbers killed a careful study, sometimes it they could possibly be accused by somebody else by many takes more than a year before of exaggerating. So, here’s the levels of magnitude. And we there will be a total report data from last school year: don’t bring our attention to it in where objective people there were 14 incidents, K-12 large measure, I think because evaluated the response of schools, where somebody was the administrators find it difficult schools, the Department of shot. That was 14 too many, to look straight at the potential Children and Families, the F.B.I., most of those were accidental, for children dying by suicide the Broward Sheriff’s but there are more than and to take proactive action to Department, there will be a 129,000 K-12, and all I ever ask is protect. It’s very, very difficult. report that will give us some that we be careful not to scare It’s possible to respond once a answers at some point. And I kids about a place where they tragedy’s happened, but to be think it’s important that we should actually feel safe. And proactive is difficult. really just focus on recovery for of course, school administrators SP: Well, you make a great everybody affected, which as should always welcome the point and we do know you know, it’s reverberated input from students themselves, nationally that suicide is the throughout our county, I mean what are your ideas to make second leading cause of death this isn’t only Parkland, this is our school safer? I actually for teenagers in pretty much something that has impacted think school safety is primarily every state, except there are the entire county school district, an inside job, so we need to actually a few states in the west and in some way, has welcome their input, but when where suicide is the number impacted virtually every person we hear stories like 18 school one cause of death. And we whether you’re connected to a shootings in the month of need to realize there’s often a school or not. January, we have to really connection between school DF: Yes, well I thank you for all define, and what are we shooters and suicide. The last that you do and the wisdom talking about. And I’m talking really comprehensive study we that you bring to that and thank about an incident where had, which was from the Secret you for the conversation. somebody purposely goes into Service and the U.S. SP: It’s my pleasure, and a school with the intent of Department of Education, people have helped in so many harming and shooting indicated that about 2/3 of ways and I know that you’ve someone. Not something that school shooters were actually been in conversation with happened a few blocks away, suicidal. And I think it’s really various school personnel, and not something that was a important that we make the you did a session here for domestic violence incident, we point that school shooter are therapists, and I think you’re just need to have a better not normal kids. School going out to help in yet another definition. And I wish there’d shooters are kids with pretty school. So again, I think be more focus on the things serious mental health problems. Broward has lots of resources that schools are doing to They’re usually motivated by but they’re smart enough to increase safety. either getting even for a realize we need all the help we DF: It’s the nature of media grievous injustice or they’re can get in the aftermath of that our attention is drawn to after glory, there’s the research really what’s a staggering the horrific. And so, you have a we’re familiar with from Dr. tragedy, and I know we both school shooting, and as you Langman indicated that share the hope that maybe mentioned earlier, all of the they’re the three types, they’re something will change. networks brining in reporters either the psychopath with no DF: That’s a beautiful way to and so on. And, so, we properly conscience, they’re psychotic end. bring our attention to the tragic where they do not have a SP: Alright, thanks. death of these 17 people. What good contact with reality, or also gets lost in that knee jerk they’re the category referred response to tragedy is that we to as traumatized, as

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INTERVIEW WITH LORI ALHADEFF With Scott Poland Ed.D. Scott Poland [SP]: We do a Deerfield Beach one day. She soccer mom and heavily newsletter here for the Suicide took risks as any teenager does. involved with every aspect of Violence and Prevention office I feel that in the fourteen years, the game. With 3 kids on travel that is available online. In the she lived a full life. She was a soccer teams, organizing, past, we have interviewed a soccer player. She played since fundraising and transportation number of parents and she was three years old. She to games became a full-time professionals. This is just our way was really amazing, she played job. to try and keep up and travel soccer. Her soccer jersey SP: Absolutely, now where was hopefully get good information number was eight and she Alyssa in the birth order? out there. picked the eight because it LA: Alyssa was the first child. Lori Alhadeff [LA]: Okay was the infinity symbol sideways SP: And now your school great. which means forever. And now background, that must come in SP: First and foremost, I am so we say #playfor8 very handy now working with saddened by the death of your and #playforAlyssa. the Broward County school daughter. I just can’t imagine SP: Wow, was she from New board. all that you’ve gone through. Jersey? Didn’t you guys live in LA: Thank New Jersey? LA: Absolutely, my teaching you. LA: We did. She background and experience SP: And would “Alyssa was a was actually born in will help me make decisions for you like to beautiful, spirited, New York. positive changes. reminisce or talk SP: Oh okay. SP: What made you decide about Alyssa at outgoing kid... She LA: Yeah, we to run for the school board, Lori? all? Or would you was your all around were living in LA: After the tragedy of rather move on Queens at the time. February 14th, I started a non- to more American kid.” SP: Have you profit organization specifically been able to keep called Make Our Schools Safe. things that you in touch with some Our mission is to make schools are working on? of her friends? safe for all kids in all schools. Our LA: No, we could talk LA: Now, yes. Her best friend, family sat Shiva for Alyssa for a about Alyssa. I talk to and get to see. And week. Everyone, I met felt that SP: I mean I would just love to some of her other friends too. I change was needed. No one, know what were the things that go and watch her soccer team though knew how to make you loved about her the most? play once in a while. They are those changes happen. It was LA: So Alyssa was a all really amazing. But some of clear to me that if I wanted beautiful, spirited, outgoing kid. her friends have kind of gone change, I needed a seat at the She had her friends for life. We their own way and I don’t see table. If you want to get the job always kept busy. We went them. done, it's best to do it yourself ! from one activity to the next SP: Now what is your SP: Could you tell me a little activity. She was really smart. background professionally in about the foundation and the She was taking high school terms of work? primary goals for Make Our credit classes in middle school. LA: I graduated from the Schools Safe? She was your all around College of New Jersey. I was a LA: Yes. When I was American kid. She loved boys, health and physical education developing Make Our Schools she was very social. She was teacher for four years at a Safe, I thought about 9/11 and sort of the entertainment public school for K–9th grade what transpired with regards to director, she got her peers and one year at a private airport safety and the together to say "hey we’re school for students with hardening that was done. going to go to the mall or language based disabilities in Schools need to bring in safety carnival, or beach." She loved grades 9th–12th. I coached experts to do threat the beach, and riding the soccer, cheerleading, softball, assessments and then waves. She loved walking on volleyball for 5 years. I had my 3 implement that plan. the beach and watching the children and then was a stay at Awareness must increase within sunset. I found out later that she home mom for the last 14 years. schools. Bullets do not and a couple of her friends During that time, my family and discriminate and it could jumped off a bridge at my kids were my life. I was a happen at any school,

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anywhere. School buildings any day now in New Jersey to LA: The entire subject of need single point entries, be signed into law. Basically guns in this country is extremely armed law enforcement what that will be is that every polarizing. People go to the officers, and locked doors to school in NJ will be required to right and people go to the left classrooms and offices are have a panic button so that the then we forget about making essential components. Also, teachers can push if they see a schools safe. That is why I am we need more mental health threat and press the panic focusing on school safety. We counselors I do not think button. It automatically alerts all can agree this is important. teachers should be armed. We law enforcement because time SP: And to one point, I know that need to give our teachers more is life. We need to get law it has been frustrating to talk money, resources, and respect. enforcement on campus as about change in regard to After February 14th, families and quickly as possible. It is true that guns?? but not much has other elected officials in Florida a shooting can be over in 6 happened. I know that you put helped passed the State Bill minutes or less. So that 6 on community events. I was #7026. As a result, we have minutes, we need to make it as pleased to be one of the mandated law enforcement at quickly as possible for law speakers at one of your events every school. Unfortunately, enforcement to get on the but can you talk a little bit though, this does not happen scene and take down the about your purpose and your around the country. Make Our threat. Because it is going to goal for these community Schools Safe is trying to bring save lives because time is life. events? this awareness to all schools SP: Absolutely, very important. I LA: Sure, do you want me to statewide. In my mind, the best way to do this is through schools being able to start a Dream Team Club. The kids that make up the Dream Team club “It was clear to me that if I wanted change, I needed a seat become the activists. The Dream Team Club students at the table. If you want to get the job done, It’s best to do it become the voice that brings yourself!” awareness to the subject of school safety and change. I am super excited to have Dream Team clubs started in

New York and in Florida. Additional clubs are starting in noticed that on the website for talk about the Friends of Make New Jersey and Pennsylvania the foundation, you have a our School Safe? as well. These kids are already number of partners. Could you SP: Sure, why don’t you tell us meeting with their principals, talk a little bit about those more about the Friends and school board, and local law partners? And I think several of then we will come back to the enforcement. Trying to just them are foundations started community events. bring awareness is half of the by other Stoneman Douglas LA: We are lucky to have battle. We need to make the parents. many invaluable friends of safety in the school a top LA: Yes, after the tragedy, a Make Our Schools Safe. MSD priority. If we become numb to lot of people started different alumni have been extremely these school shootings and organizations and I looked at it supportive in trying to make another piece of a news very positively. This is not a actual change and fundraise. broadcast, what have we solitary effort. It takes SOS Parkland focuses achieved? sometimes a village to make specifically on schools and SP: Those are great points and I change. Therefore, coming school safety. Safe Schools for have often felt that school together as a group of people Alex is also focusing on school safety is an inside job and how will make a greater impact. safety. Max wants federal important it is to get students SP: I know for example that school safety guidelines. involved. Tell us a little bit about Everytown for gun safety is Everytown for gun safety is Alyssa’s law in New Jersey and listed and would you mind working on responsible gun what that’s all about and its sharing your views about if you ownership. Meadow's status? think we need to do something Movement is Andrew Pollack’s LA: So, the Alyssa law is now different about guns in our organization that tries to focus going to the Governor’s desk country? on school safety as well. Walk

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Up Foundation is Ryan’s about your goals for those? And impact it will have on our kids. foundation which focuses on have there been several or was Even for the BSO officers to the mental health aspect of that your first one last week? remain informed is helpful as school safety. The company LA: As far as community well. SaferWatch a new app called LA Cle Co. sells the events go, we had several created to anonymously report bracelets for Make Our School trainings. One training was with a threat or tip of any kind, has Safe. The Sock Problems directs the Stop the Bleed Kits also added a mental health its efforts toward socking out sponsored by Blue Spear piece to the resource as well. gun violence. They sell socks to Solutions. Another training was Have you ever seen the app? raise money. Trying to sock out on Suicide Prevention SP: No, I haven’t. gun violence. Blue Spear which Make Our Schools Safe LA: When you download Solutions is the security paid for these trainings. SaferWatch, you will see that specialist group that I consult SP: Was it QPR or Assist? they added suicide threats and with about school safety LA: It was Assist. self-harm. They added details measures with faculty and SP: Okay, great. for when you click on the student trainings focusing on LA: Assist and there was one suicide part, it asks for details Stop the Bleed. They have more with it. It was a two-day about when and what is been extremely wonderful. class and then there was a one- happening, and you can School safety day class as well. upload photos, add media, must come to a SP: Okay. record something and then mean layers “...I wanted action, LA: Okay, it was submit the tip. Because of our and layers of I want him to do Safe Talk. presentation, they added protection, it is SP; Okay, very good. mental health concerns and an not just one something, I want him LA: We have done LBGTQ harassment as one of specific thing fundraisers, but as far their incident types! to take the guns out that we are as events, we did the SP: All of those sound very going to do. We of these kid’s hands faculty kits, suicide important. Now the school have to be prevention and the board and the foundation, this proactive. and off the streets.” event we did with must have become like a full- SP: Has Broward you the other night. time job for you. implemented SP: And who are most LA: Honestly, February the Stop the Bleed Kits? Is that a of the people that attended last 14th began my activism and it goal that Broward has had to week? has changed my life. The death make those more available? LA: A lot of them are parents of Alyssa changed my life LA: Yes, they are getting that were there. Parents in the forever. I would love to go back faculty training for the teachers community. to February 13th and for life in all of the Broward County SP: Did you get much feedback could be exactly the way it was schools. Some schools already about the session? before the tragedy. Did you see started training. I believe that LA: I did. They really enjoyed the CNN interview whereby, I each school has one or two kits the information. We were on was ranting out publicly to already. The kits must be Facebook live as well, so the President Trump to make placed in a safe zone in each program go hundreds of views changes to safeguard our classroom. I am working with that way as well. I know one of children? Senator Lauren Book to my friends whose son left his SP: No, I haven’t, but I am sure I mandate that each Stop the iPhone on the bus and he said would agree. Bleed kit will be put in every “Dr. Poland was right about the LA: If you Google Lori classroom. These Stop the phone, get them a flip phone.” Alhadeff, February 15th CNN Bleed Kits can make a I I think it was a big eye opener you will see what happened. I difference and be essential in for the parents regarding the went to Park Trails and told a saving lives. juuling, the drugs, and bringing reporter I had something to say, awareness to people. I just that reporter told me she SP: That would be great. Well think I it’s all so important; the wasn’t on the air. The next anything else you want to say information about the suicide reporter I went to just handed about the Friends of Make our prevention and how me a microphone and said School Safe? knowledge is power. The more you'll be on in 10 seconds. And LA: No. parents who are educated then I spoke. SP: So, you put together about what is out there and SP: What was the essence of community events, can we talk what is happening, the more of your message to the President?

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LA: It was that I wanted logo, or a family name. 60 forcing anybody to do action, I want him to do butterflies will raise anything. It’s just trying to have something, I want him to take $60,000. Then, Make our this available for them. If this the guns out of these kids hands Schools Safe will then match meets their needs and they and off the streets. that $60,000 for a total of want to do it, it could help. It will SP: Well those are all great $120,000. Other important not cost them any money at points. What are your thoughts school hardening projects will all. We also have our annual about what should happen to include single point entry, tennis fundraiser. Last year we the perpetrator? I should try to fencing, and ballistic raised $30,000. This year we are avoid saying his name protection in the school. going to have 2 women round because I am so tired of SP: Sounds great, money well robins in the morning and then hearing his name and seeing spent. So that is the next big at night have a kids roundrobin. him on television but what are project, wonderful. The kid's roundrobin is the new your thoughts about legally LA: So I actually wanted to to our fundraiser. We hope to what needs to be done? say that we already have 20 raise $50,000 this year. LA: I think justice will be butterflies sold and have 40 SP: Sounds great and anything served and the people who more to go. else you’d like us to know and missed the tips and everything SP: Okay. like to have mentioned in this else on this kid, that they will be LA: We will always raise interview write up? held accountable for. As far as money to help with school LA: Well, definitely if you the shooter, I think that the hardening. However, I would could put our death penalty is too easy. I like to set up another event website www.makeourschoolss think that he should go through the regular public jail with general population inmates and not just some type of private prison. I know that can’t “I know therapy is different for every person. So, what might happen. If he is going to be in regular jail, then I think he work for one person might not for another person, and that’s deserves to be with all the regular inmates, not just in a okay. We’re not forcing anybody to do anything. It’s just private location. trying to have this available for them.” SP: Yes, good point. What is the future projects or what are your goals in the next few months for the foundation and your important work? similar to one we had the other afe.org and if somebody LA: So we have some really night with the speakers and the wants to start a dream team exciting fundraisers coming up. education piece. The other club in their school, they could At the end of the day, we want event that I am planning is contact us. to raise money to help put related to the mental health SP: Anything else you’d like to money back into the schools. aspect. Therapy or group say today? We just launched a fundraiser. therapy is really important. I LA: I Just know that your The first school I wanted to help think a lot of kids and families voice makes a difference. If is Westglades Middle School are suffering in silence so we you believe in something, you because that is where my two need to try to do something. I should speak up about it. If you boys attend. There will be 60 know there are all these think something is not right, butterflies. Each butterfly can different places that people then you should speak up be purchased for $1,000. We can go to for help. about it because your voice is have an artist, Evan Haubner, SP: Yes, that makes sense. I your power. that will create on canvas, the mean long term help is going to SP: Great point, if the Suicide Make Our School Safe logo. In be needed for children and Violence Prevention office can the O's, there will be an infinity their families. help in anyway, please don’t symbol. The infinity symbol will LA: I know therapy is hesitate to contact us. have 60 butterflies and around different for every person. So, LA: Okay, great thanks. One the canvas. It is going to be a what might work for one person of the things that I am really piece of art hung in the school. might not for another person, concerned about and I’ve Included could be a business and that’s okay. We’re not spoken about is the fear that

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there is someone planning their help in any way possible. All own suicide now for February they have to do is just ask us. 14th on the one-year LA: That’s great. I think for INTRODUCING YOUR anniversary. I would love to me, what I am worried that on SVP TEAM: know if you have any ideas or February 14th some kids are tips on how to reach kids in going to want to do community Scott Poland, Ed.D., need or what we could do to service who are your outgoing, College of Psychology help them? go-getters, and Faculty Member SP: That’s a great question. We popular. However, we really need constant vigilance for need to focus on those that Douglas Flemons, Ph.D., suicide prevention and in my aren’t your strive kids and Department of Family opinion, it can’t be site based in maybe looked at as different in Therapy Faculty Member our schools. Every school needs a way. The kids that are to be doing suicide prevention, wearing all black, hoodies, and Stefany Marcus, Psy.D., doing our best to try and call that are suffering in Psychology Postdoctoral the warning signs to the silence. Those kids are the ones Resident attention to parents. The vast we need to be helping more. I majority of suicides can and feel that we aren’t doing a Kristen Vadelund, M.S., should be prevented. good job doing in that sense. Graduate Assistant LA: If you have a flyer or SP: That’s a great point. We anything I can help push out on want every student to feel Samantha Guy, M.S., social media, that would be a connected to the school and Graduate Assistant, great help! Every parent the staff and to be involved in wants the fast information that something. Anything else? And Samantha Vance, B.S., doesn’t require effort to read. I thank you so much for agreeing Psychology Trainee don’t know, would you have to the interview today. We will anything like that? type it up and send it to you and J.R. Soria, M.S., SP: Well, I think that Dr. Marcus we can make any revisions or Psychology Trainee and I could work on something. modifications that you wish. Let us give that some thought LA: Sounds good, thank Karly Hauser, B.A., and in two weeks, we are you. Psychology Trainee presenting to all the Broward social workers about suicide Ashley Jacobson, B.S., prevention and we’re always Psychology Trainee able to help Broward county to

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S COUNSELOR IN RESIDENCE • • • The Counselor-in-Residence is a counselor who lives on campus providing on- call services, such as mediation and response to emergency situations involving mental health issues, crisis situations, and emotional concerns of NSU’s residential population.

Residential students can schedule an appointment with the CIR by phone, Henderson Crisis Hotline (954) 262-8911, or by email, [email protected]. (954) 424-6911 or (954) 262-7050 Henderson Student Counseling Center, (9540 424-6911 or (954) 262-7050, *available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week located at University Park Plaza off of University Drive, is also free of charge to students and offers excellent services to the Hours of Operation student population.

Monday-Thursday-Friday

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17 Nova Southeastern University

SVP Newsletter Contributors SVP Presentations

Stefany Marcus, Psy.D. Kristen Vadelund, M.S. The Office of Suicide and Violence Prevention has Samantha Guy, M.S. provided 300+ presentations to various departments at Breanne Stewart, M.S. NSU. Samantha Vance, B.S. J.R. Soria, M.S. SVP has presented to over 6,000 NSU faculty, staff, and Scott Poland, Ed.D. students, on a variety of topics related to suicide and Douglas Flemons, Ph.D. violence training, management, and mental health struggles. Graduate students looking to write articles on the topics of suicide and violence prevention are encouraged to contact us. Use this link to request a presentation: Stefany Marcus, Psy.D. https://www.nova.edu/webforms/suicideprevention/ [email protected] presentation-requests/index.html