Lassiter HS launches ‘Sources of ‘Strength’ suicide prevention support program

On Friday Lassiter High School (2601 Shallowford Road) will embark upon a new effort to provide information to and support for students regarding issues about suicide prevention.Sources of Strength, Lassiter suicide prevention support program

That program, “Sources of Strength,” begins at 7:30 a.m., with teachers and staff offering support with signs bearing positive messages and handing out purple-colored doughnuts to students as they arrive for the school day.

Sources of Strength is a nationwide non-profit organization providing support and education for youth and teen suicide prevention and awareness efforts.

Purple is the official color of organizations devoted to suicide prevention and on Friday night, the awareness campaign continues at Lassiter’s home football game against Roswell. The Trojans will kick off against the Hornets at 7:30 p.m., and Lassiter officials have invited their Roswell counterparts to join in a show of support for the program.

A total of 45 Lassiter students, teachers, administrators, counselors and other staff underwent training in the Sources of Strength program to learn help-seeking behaviors and promote connections between peers and caring adults.

Last month a 16-year-old Roswell High School student was found unconscious near the school ground and later died in a suspected suicide.

Lassiter is also observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, and is asking fans attending the football game to wear pink clothing in a “Pink Out.” Staff will toss out pink and purple confetti at the game.