Parent Group Organizes Suicide Prevention Program For D202

PLAINFIELD, IL — A District 202 parent group is organizing two free programs to raise awareness about suicide prevention, district officials announced Wednesday.

The Plainfield Parent Community Network will host its first event in the Plainfield East High School auditorium, 12001 Naperville Road, starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 14. The second one will take place at Plainfield South High School, 7800 Caton Farm Road, beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 16.

The events, which will be presented in both English and Spanish, will feature a behavioral health specialist, Jennifer Trivelli, from Linden Oaks Behavioral Health. With more than 20 years of experience with mental health and therapeutic day school, among other things, Trivelli will address topics including risk factors, warning signs, communication strategies, common suicide myths and where to get help, officials said in a news release.

"Student suicide is a very real, and very significant concern," Tim Albores, District 202 director for high school student services, said in a statement.

He continued: "It is more important than ever for parents of students of every age to understand and recognize the signs of suicide so they can help and support their children."

Albores helped form the parent community network in fall 2016 as a way to support parents with common parenting needs, the district said. A committee comprised of district administrators, principals, counselors and community members oversees the group.

More information about the parent group can be found on their website.