Welcome to the Mental Health Hub

Mental Health Hub with Grand Forks Public Schools logo

Hotline Numbers

  • September 2019

    Families,

    I sincerely hope that the school year is off to a good start for you and your student(s)!  The overall well-being of the youth in our Grand Forks Public Schools is of the utmost importance to us. In addition to our focus on academics, we have also been emphasizing the fact that the mental health needs of our students and employees must be a top priority.

    September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and we think it is important for everyone in our community to become educated about the warning signs of depression and suicide. By taking at least 5-10 minutes to visit stopasuicide.org and reviewing the information under the Learn to Act and Get Help tabs, you can learn what to do if you become aware of a person needing help. Early intervention is the key to saving lives!

    Many youth watch a Netflix series titled “13 Reasons Why” which recently released their third season. This fictional drama series tackles real-life issues, such as suicide, sometimes in an explicit manner.  We can use this series as an opportunity to have conversations about the topic of suicide and other mental health concerns. Please consider using the “13 Reasons Why” resources located on our district’s Mental Health Hub. You can also find additional resources to help with spreading hope, help, and strength!

    We also want to take this opportunity to share two family-friendly events being held in our community aimed at bringing people together to support one another:

    • Northeast Human Service Center is hosting the Rally for Recovery on Thursday, September 5th at Riverside Park 
    • Altru / TEARS (Together we Educate About the Realities of Suicide) is sponsoring the “Walk to Remember, Walk to Support” on Sunday, September 15th at the UND Wellness Center 

    Studies show that feeling close to at least one trusted adult can be the most powerful protective factor in a young person’s life. Together, we can make sure that our Grand Forks youth feel supported!  To help with these efforts, I will put out another letter soon with information about opportunities for anyone interested to be trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

    Should you have general questions or concerns that you would like to further discuss, please email or call me. If you have questions or concerns specific to your student(s), please contact your student’s school counselor (see the attached list for their contact information).

    Finally, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Within North Dakota, you can call FirstLink at 2-1-1.     

    Thank you for all you do to support the youth in Grand Forks and help keep our community safe!

     Geoff Gaukler business card

FREE Counseling Service for GFPS Students

  • The Access for All Scholarship Fund provides FREE counseling services to Grand Forks Public Schools students and their families at the Northern Prairie Community Clinic on the campus of the University of North Dakota. 
     
    Counseling is offered for individual students and/or their families and can address a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief/loss, substance use, relationship issues, stress management, and trauma-related issues.

    For more information, or to inquire about a referral, please contact your school counselor or school social worker. 
     
    Click here to view their brochure.