HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — Their mission is to prevent and raise awareness about suicide, but one Hendersonville non-profit is now offering advice to school counselors in all 50 states.
The Jason Foundation launched its Crisis Support Team in late September. The goal is to help guide school counselors, churches and youth groups after they've experienced a traumatic event.
Founder Clark Flatt wanted to find a way to help people who called into the Jason Foundation for advice after something tragic happened such as a suicide or school violence.
"We would get calls... people searching us out when there would be a tragic event. Of course, with our work it was always a suicide attempt or suicide," said Flatt.
Flatt founded Jason Foundation after his own son committed suicide. It's been more than 22 years since then and the organization has grown to the point where they can help schools in all 50 states.
"Let's say there's been a suicide in the school. What do you say to the kids? What do you say to the parents? What are the things should do? What are the thinks you might stay away from," said Flatt. "So many times they're not sure of these actions. So, our team will work with them to be a sounding board and give them insights into how to handle these situations."
So far, several schools have already reached out to the foundation for advice. They hope more schools will hear about their program and seek out professional help.
The program is free of charge.
