FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2021
DCSAA MAKES MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

AVAILABLE TO COACHES, ADMINISTRATORS AND TRAINERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The District of Columbia State Athletic Association today announced that it is making a mental health and suicide prevention program available to all D.C. high school athletic coaches, administrators and trainers.

“While we are encouraged that student-athletes have returned to competition this spring and look forward to a gradual return to normalcy, it remains more important than ever that we do everything possible to support our student-athletes through this unprecedented situation,” DCSAA Executive Director Clark Ray said. “We want to build strong relationships, identify when students may benefit from additional behavioral health support and ensure that students are connected to the support they need.”

Working in concert with the DC Department of Behavioral Health, the DCSAA is making available four modules. They can be accessed online at kognitocampus.com.

• At-risk for high school educators

• Step in, speak up

• Referral process

• Resilient together

  “When we listen and engage our young people in conversation it provides insight into their emotional or mental health needs. Early identification and intervention promote improved mental health and reduce the risk of lifelong challenges”, said Barbara J. Bazron, Ph.D., Director of the DC Department of Behavioral Health. “Sports leaders have a special relationship with students and the DBH sponsored trainings, give them additional tools to support their positive engagement.”

  To learn more about the District of Columbia State Athletic Association, please visit www.dcsaasports.org. CONTACT: Josh Barr, joshbarr4520@gmail.com

  About the District of Columbia State Athletic Association

  The District of Columbia State Academic Association has served District of Columbia public schools, public charter schools, and independent private and parochial schools since 2012. Studies regularly show that students who participate in extracurricular activities generally are better prepared to succeed beyond high school and under DCSAA guidance, student-athlete participation has risen 44 percent. DCSAA empowers its membership to share knowledge and best practices in order to help student-athletes achieve their goals through athletic programming and valuable academic and personal learning experiences.