Fulcrum Funds Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative

December 20, 2022

Catholic high school students are stepping up to help save lives.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among teens and young adults in the United States. High school students across the Archdiocese of Seattle, with a little help from the Fulcrum Foundation, are hoping to do something to help.

Archbishop Murphy High School, Everett and Pope John Paul II High School, Lacey were the first high schools in the archdiocese to partner with the Office for Catholic Schools (OCS) and the Office of Pastoral Care and Outreach in the Catholic Lifesaver Corps.

The program began with one cohort in April 2022. This cohort has already trained 100 students, parents, and staff about youth suicide prevention. The program has since been expanded to all 11 high schools in the archdiocese. There are currently three cohorts of the Catholic Lifesaver Corps in the Archdiocese of Seattle, with plans for more.

A Fulcrum grant funded the program, providing $38,500 to help OCS begin this important work. In the coming year, Catholic Lifesaver Corps participants will share what they’ve learned and teach workshops at their schools and parishes about suicide prevention.

 

If you are feeling alone and having thoughts of suicide—whether or not you are in crisis—or know someone who is, don’t remain silent. Talk to someone you can trust through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat the Lifeline.