Barney Ford Elementary

Mental Health Day Tomorrow, March 24

03/23/23, 3:08 PM

March 23, 2023

Dear DCIS At Ford Families,

As we learn more about the developments coming out of the shooting that took place at East High School yesterday, I want to extend my heartfelt apologies to the East High School community, and the larger DPS community. No student, employee, or community member should have to carry fear of potential violence when they walk into our buildings each day.

To allow us all to take a moment to pause and process the challenging events this year, including the data breach, tomorrow, March 24, is a non-student contact mental health day for all DPS students and employees. To support families, we will have 14 Discovery Link extended care sites available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the district will be providing food pick up locations. 

To assist in our collective healing, I want to reiterate the importance of connecting to our mental health, emotional wellness and workforce/community supports available through:

Name	Number	Description
Colorado Crisis and Support Line	844-493-8255, or Text TALK to 38255	Resource for mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis help – information and referrals
National Suicide Hotline	800-273-8255	24-hour toll-free confidential suicide prevention hotline
Second Wind Fund	303-988-2645	Provides free counseling to underinsured and uninsured youth that are suicidal
Trevor Project Hotline	866-488-7386	Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth
Safe2Tell Colorado	877-542-7233	An anonymous way to report any concern impacting students (phone, app, online reporting options)
I Matter Colorado	imattercolorado.org	Will direct students to an online survey for their needs and connect them to a therapist

In addition to the resources above, TherapyDirect is available as a same-day, online crisis counseling service available to adults ages 18+ in the Denver metro area. TherapyDirect provides quick access to a counselor for a confidential 55-minute online session. Individuals can receive up to three sessions a year at no cost and interpretation services are available upon request. TherapyDirect is available Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

If you have any concerns about your child or another student, please contact our mental health staff, or use the resources above. You may also find these resources for navigating anxiety and grief helpful.

Please continue to keep the East High School community in your thoughts. Know that we are committed to supporting our entire community during this time.

Sincerely,

Ginger Conroy
Principal