The New Bedford Public Schools takes youth suicide very seriously.
Trained staff use the Signs of Suicide (SOS) screening program. SOS is
an award-winning, nationally recognized program designed for middle and
high school students. The program teaches students how to recognize
the symptoms of depression and suicidally in themselves or their
friends, and encourages help-seeking through the use of the ACT
(Acknowledge, Care, Tell) technique.
The SOS high school program is the only school-based suicide
prevention program listed on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration's National Registry of Evidenced-Based programs
and practices that addresses suicide risk and depression, while reducing
actual suicide attempts.