Students from Delaware Valley and other schools in Pike County attended a Youth Suicide Prevention and Awareness Summit on Oct. 16. Everyone who attended was involved in breakout sessions where they discussed their peers’ current mental health needs. Those who participated discussed the importance of communicating in small groups about what matters to them. Students explored stations that included a therapy dog, yoga, an affirmation station and free giveaways. There were also a variety of speakers in attendance as well.

Mental Health Organization Systems of Care initiated the idea to attend and it was supported by the school districts as well as the Pike County Mental Health and Developmental Services.

 In order to encourage the attendance of a variety of students, some were selected through Morgan’s Message, some helped to plan the event and others had a previous interest in helping with the mental health needs of their peers. Participants are satisfied with this years’ summit and look forward to attending the event in years to come.