(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- A Cedar Rapids organization is working with school districts to provide mental health resources to students and training to teachers.
Tanager Place has worked with 40 schools and 9 school districts to help identify and approach students who may be struggling mentally. Tanager reports 80% of students who were assisted felt more socially connected and 90% of teachers felt better able to connect to their students.
Tawny Schafbuch, a Tanager school-based therapist, tells KCRG it's important for parents and teachers to comfortably discuss mental health.
"Ask the questions and let them know that you care about them that they matter and you want them to be here and want them to be able to talk about whatever it is that is making them feel like they want to take their own life, or that they would want to attempt suicide,” said Schafbuch.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-24. The month of September is suicide prevention month.