RAPS member Vaclav Budzileni-Maldonado speaks to community members in Los Alamos County Council Chambers. Photo Courtesy LAPS

RAPS team members participating in the Los Alamos Clubs and Activities Fair are, from left, are Ryan Hudson, Bernadette Garcia and Zoe Butler. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAPS NEWS

All interested individuals are invited to a community conversation on Tuesday, Sept. 24, hosted by the Los Alamos High School student data analysis group, RAPS, to address the signs of sadness, self-harm, and suicide in youth.

According to the 2017 Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey of LAHS students, 33.2 percent felt sad or hopeless in the past 12 months and 24.5 percent intentionally injured themselves. Student leaders at LAHS have prioritized these concerns and are interested in engaging youth and parents in a community conversation to increase awareness, address common myths, and work together toward improving mental health outcomes.

There will be a short presentation by the LAHS RAPS Leadership Team as well as LAPS school counselors and prevention program staff. LAHS Natural Helpers will demonstrate techniques that can be used to approach people who might have suicidal thoughts or plans. The goal is to brainstorm solutions together in order to help the community be better equipped to understand and support youth in Los Alamos. 

When: Tuesday, September 24th

from 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Where: UNMLA Student Center, Bldg 2

4000 University Drive

Find more information on the LAHS RAPS Team here.

The Healthy Schools Initiative is dedicated to supporting staff and student well-being through school-based programs, professional support, and community outreach and engagement.