In another step toward strengthening youth mental health in the Flathead Valley, Kalispell Public Schools entered a three-year contract with the Jed Foundation to implement a comprehensive, evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention initiative at Glacier and Flathead high schools. 

The New York-based foundation offers multiple academic, consulting and training programs to help assess and strengthen mental health, substance misuse and suicide prevention systems while giving schools the tools needed to create a culture of mental health and well-being and prevent suicide.    

A mental health specialist from the foundation will be assigned to each high school. The specialists will work with administrators, counselors, staff and students. The initiative will launch in the fall. 

The first year will focus on forming interdisciplinary leadership teams, conducting baseline assessments and engaging the school community in identifying strengths and areas for growth. Through the assessments, the foundation will provide each school with a tailored strategic plan.   

“This partnership represents our shared dedication to strengthening our culture where every student feels supported and has access to the mental health resources they need," Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen said in a statement. 

Jensen thanked the Whitefish-based Nate Chute Foundation for bringing Jed to the district, saying it will help thousands of students.  

“This is such an important step in changing how our schools and communities address mental health in a holistic way,” said Nate Chute Foundation Program and Engagement Director Nicci Daniher. “To help bring in this national, evidence-based initiative and support its long-term sustainability is truly a dream come true.” 

The district has been working on improving its mental health and suicide prevention efforts following a suicide cluster in 2021 that deeply affected the Flathead Valley. Nationwide, suicide is the second leading cause of death among ages 10 to 34, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

Suicide is a public health problem, but help is available. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the TrevorLifeline for LGBTQ+ individuals at 1-866-488-7386 or text “start” to 678-678.