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California Department of Education
News Release
California Department of Education
News Release
Release: #20-74
September 9, 2020
Contact: Communications
E-mail: communications@cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-319-0818

LivingWorks Virtual Youth Summit Shines a Light on Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention

Online suicide prevention training now available to staff, teachers, and students throughout California

SAN DIEGO—On September 15, actress Lexi Underwood from the popular Hulu series “Little Fires Everywhere” and International Slam Dunk Champion Kenny Dobbs are among a handful of high-profile personalities who will speak to California middle and high school students at the LivingWorks Youth Summit with one main message: Together, we can save lives from suicide. The virtual summit is the official launch of the California Department of Education’s (CDE) online suicide prevention training for staff and students.

TikTok star and comedian Caitlin Reilly will emcee the online streaming event, which also features MTV Push new artist nominee Tate McRae, two-time America’s Got Talent winner and cardistry artist Shin Lim, and YouTube vlogger Lavendaire. The speakers will share their own struggles of mental health, resilience, and hope intertwined with music, performances, and interviews. The lineup is diverse and attempts to meet youth where they are—online and at home.

Sutter Health, the CDE, and the San Diego County Office of Education have partnered with LivingWorks, a global leader in suicide prevention training, to host the Summit.

LivingWorks Start is a 90-minute online suicide prevention skills training program available at no cost to CDE staff, teachers, and students through the 58 county offices of education. The $1.7 million funding for the program was secured by Assemblymember Marc Berman in accordance with Assembly Bill 1808.

“This Summit is a one-of-a-kind event; we’ve never done anything like this before,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “But we also know that our students are facing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and isolation. We think the Summit is a unique way to unite all students in the state around this very important initiative, and it will provide them reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles and there is a way to help each other through difficult times.”

Teen suicide attempt survivor Emma Benoit will share her powerful story with the students. Benoit attempted suicide at 17, just as she was entering her senior year of high school. The popular teen hid years of depression and anxiety, which resurfaced with a vengeance in high school. Her attempt left her temporarily paralyzed and in a wheelchair. After months of emotional and physical healing, Benoit is now sharing her story in an upcoming documentary and with students at the Summit.

“I never wanted to live more than the day I was dying,” says Benoit. “I instantly regretted it. And it has been a long road back. We, as teens, are just so hard on ourselves. And we’re afraid of disappointing others. We need to start being honest with ourselves, friends, and loved ones. If we’re in pain, reach out—we all have a role to play in preventing another suicide.”

Safety is a cornerstone of LivingWorks training, and the Youth Summit is no exception. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Teen Line, and The Trevor Project have partnered with the Summit to provide text, phone, and email support to students who may need it during and after the Summit.

“At LivingWorks, we talk about creating networks of safety where we live, work, and play,” notes LivingWorks President Rick Trimp.”Through our partnership with the California Department of Education, we are training students, staff, and teachers to tune in to those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide and use their new skills to connect that person to help.”

The Summit will livestream to all staff and students in school districts throughout California on September 15, 2020, at 1 p.m., and will be available to the public on September 16 on the LivingWorks Youth Summit website External link opens in new window or tab. and LivingWorks YouTube channel External link opens in new window or tab.. In addition to lead sponsor Sutter Health, other sponsors helping to make the event a reality are the San Diego Union Tribune, KCRA/My58, NAMI California, the California Restaurant Association Foundation, Lifeline, Teenline, and The Trevor Project.

For more information, please visit the LivingWorks Start for California Schools External link opens in new window or tab..

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Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
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