|
 Safe2Help Illinois is a free, information
sharing platform that is available 24/7. In the absence of a trusted
adult, students can use a free app, text/phone, or the website
(Safe2HelpIL.com) to share school safety issues in a confidential
environment. It was launched on October 20, 2021.
“The Safe2Help program is designed to help school-age children who
experience bullying, mental health struggles, or those who see signs
of potential drug use or violence in someone else,” said IEMA
Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “The numbers prove that this program is
indeed necessary.”
There are several ways that students from kindergarten through high
school can reach out to Safe2Help:
Call 1-844-4SAFEIL (723345)
Text SAFE2 (72332)
Online at
https://app.safe22helpil.com/
Email HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com
Download the Safe2HelpIL app
“Our schools must be places where our young people
feel safe and connected,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr.
Carmen I. Ayala. “Safe2Help is a welcome safety tool that can help
us prevent tragedies like the mass shootings in Highland Park and
Uvalde, protect students from bullying, and connect struggling
students with mental health support. I encourage all of our school
leaders to continue raising awareness about Safe2Help among
students, so each and every student knows they have a confidential
way to share information with trusted adults.”
“Timely information is critical to intervene and
prevent a dangerous or harmful situation,” said Illinois State
Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The Safe2Help program offers
students a safe way to share information about what they observe,
which can help protect their fellow students and teachers.”
“It is our mission to ensure that Illinois’ children
grow up in safe and healthy environments. The Safe2Help program is a
safe, user-friendly tool children can use to ask for help if they or
someone they know is in danger and they don’t have a trusted adult
they can turn to,” said Illinois Department of Children & Family
Services’ Director Marc D. Smith. “We are happy to partner with IEMA
on this important initiative to let children know that they are
never alone, and help is just a phone call, text or click away.”
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“We are pleased to partner with
IEMA on their work to improve safety for children and high
school students. The IDHS Division of Mental Health will
continue to bring expertise to this effort, and to share this
important resource with students and families across the state,”
said Grace B. Hou, Secretary, Illinois Department of Human
Services.
IEMA School Safety Policy Advisor Samantha Kanish, who
coordinates Safe2Help in Illinois, said, “Safe2Help Illinois is
an important resource for students as it empowers them to seek
help for themselves or a friend in a safe and confidential
environment.”
With the release of Public Act 102-0416 that went into effect
July 1 of this year, Safe2Help Illinois or a local suicide
prevention resource number is required to go on the back of any
issued student identification cards, student handbooks, and any
student planner that is custom printed and distributed for
students in grades 6 through 12.
Since the program’s launch, Safe2Help Illinois’ top reports have
been bullying (18.1%), suicidal ideation as reported by another
student (4.7%), and possession and/or use of drugs which include
vaping (5.2%).
These are important issues to address. According to the National
4-H Council, 70 percent of teens have experience struggles with
mental health. According to a 2020 Harris Poll, 42% of teens
admit they’ve been leaning into their vices (e.g. unhealthy
food, vaping) and unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with the
impact of COVID-19. Finally, an Illinois Department of Human
Services Survey in 2020 found suicide is the third leading cause
of death of Illinois youth ages 10-19.
More information on the Safe2Help Illinois program can be found
here:
https://www.safe2helpil.com/
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA):
www.Ready.Illinois.gov
[Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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