Battling Suicide in Fairfax Schools With New Depression App

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Public Schools said Wednesday it's preparing to send a message to students, parents and staff about its CrisisText app — a tool for students who may need help with mental health, depression or thoughts of suicide.

It's available on the FCPS mobile app or by sending a text message to: 85511 and entering the keyword NEEDHELP. According to the school system, CrisisText is a 24-hour resource that has been very successful in providing support and resources to those who used it last year.

Here's the message students in grades 7-12 will receive if they have an email on record with FCPS:

Students: Please add CrisisText 85511, Keyword NEEDHELP to your phone contacts.

CrisisText is a resource that provides 24/7 access help for you or someone you know that needs help. Thank you for being responsible, caring students. Those that have used CrisisText were able to receive appropriate support for themselves and others who needed it. Remember, if you are feeling depressed or thinking about hurting yourself, send a text and receive immediate support. You are not alone. We can and want to help.

Concerned about a friend or someone you know? Telling is not getting someone in trouble, but may get them the kind of help they need. Hit send and help a friend. It is a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental resource when you need someone to talk to. Trained crisis counselors who respond can also provide information about emergency resources in the community.

You can also access CrisisText via the FCPS Mobile App, as well as check out lunch menus, find your school in the directory, or get easy access to the school calendar, news, and much more. The FCPS Mobile app is FREE and available for download on Android devices, iPhones and iPads through Google Play and the iTunes App Store.

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