Tragically, CT has lost 7 youth to suicide thus far in 2020 with 4 deaths in October alone. The CT Suicide Advisory Board (CTSAB), in collaboration with multiple partners, has created the CT Public Health Alert and Call to Action for Youth Suicide. (Español) We urge you to review it carefully, take action, and share it broadly with your youth-serving contacts. Our hope is that the Alert will increase awareness and vigilance to recognize and respond to the existing mental/emotional health needs of youth.
Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health is a great free resource to help you and your kids with your sad, mad and worried feelings during this tough time. And, this link has fun activities you and your kids can do alone or together inside and outside. The online book is here in English or Spanish, and you can order free print copies too. Note: free quantities are limited to a max of 4 outside CT.
Care & Safety for You and Your Family During the COVID-19
Dear Families,
With schools closing, it’s also important to consider how you can keep your children who are old enough to stay home alone safe while you’re working. Please see the articles below that can help you discuss the COVID-19 outbreak with your children based on their age, and set rules and limits.
Also, when adjusting the environment for their increased safety, please don’t forget to secure alcohol, tobacco, prescription and over-the-counter medication, and firearms. Even well-behaved children make impulsive decisions based on natural curiosities that get them into trouble when bored.
Stay well!
CT Suicide Advisory Board
- Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
- Home Alone: How to Keep Your Kids Safe (and out of trouble) When You’re at Work
- Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource
- CT Children’s Medical Center Coronavirus FAQs
- Hartford Healthcare Coronavirus/COVID-19
For the latest information about Connecticut, call 211, text CTCOVID to 898211 or visit ct.gov/coronavirus
