CFISD Highlights Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention Program During Suicide Prevention Month
September is nationally recognized as Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, share resources, and take meaningful action. In Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (CFISD), this month also serves as a reminder of the district’s deep commitment to protecting the mental health and safety of students across every campus, including families in communities like Harvest Bend Section 1 and beyond.
CFISD’s Mental Health Intervention Team (MHIT) has released a comprehensive overview of the district’s suicide prevention strategy and how families can support these efforts at home. With suicide remaining the second leading cause of death among school-age youth, CFISD’s multi-tiered program aims to educate, intervene, and empower both students and caregivers.
Inside the CFISD Suicide Prevention Program
CFISD takes a multi-tiered, team-based approach that operates under three levels of prevention: Universal, Targeted, and Intensive.
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Universal efforts include staff training, student education on warning signs, and crisis line information printed on every middle and high school student ID, per Texas Senate Bill 279.
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Targeted support involves screening students who exhibit warning signs—only after parental consent is obtained, as mandated by Texas Senate Bill 12 (Education Code 26.009). Interventions are recommended based on the results.
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Intensive support includes guiding families to professional mental health evaluations and coordinating re-entry support for students returning from hospitalization or treatment.
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District staff involved in these efforts include school counselors, psychological service providers, CFISD police officers, and the Mental Health Intervention Team—all of whom are specially trained in suicide prevention and crisis response.
Supporting Mental Health at Home
Parents and guardians are critical partners in prevention. CFISD emphasizes the importance of knowing the warning signs of suicide, which include:
- Talking about or planning suicide
- Expressing hopelessness
- Emotional distress or overwhelming sadness
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Dramatic changes in sleep patterns
- Uncharacteristic anger or irritability
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), these behaviors may signal a child is at risk—and immediate action is needed.
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Families are encouraged to increase monitoring when concerns arise and take precautions by limiting access to lethal means, such as:
- Locking up firearms (free gun locks are available here)
- Properly disposing of unused medications via local drop-off sites (find locations here)
- Reducing alone time when warning signs are present
In emergencies, families should call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers 24/7 access to trained counselors.
Mental Health & Wellness Fair Coming Dec. 3
CFISD invites families to attend the annual Mental Health & Wellness Fair on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 3:30–6:30 PM at the Berry Center. This free, community-focused event will provide:
- Access to local mental health and wellness providers
- Self-care activities
- Student-led exhibits and resources
- A chance to engage with experts in youth mental health
- Working Together to Save Lives
CFISD continues to evaluate its policies and practices to align with the latest research and legislation. The district’s suicide prevention framework, as outlined in Section 5.1 of the 2025-2026 Student Handbook, reflects this ongoing commitment.
If you're a parent, student, or concerned community member, you are not alone—and support is just a phone call, email, or school visit away.
To learn more about suicide prevention efforts or speak with your campus mental health team, visit the CFISD Guidance & Counseling Department or speak directly with your school counselor.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on wellness events, youth safety programs, and CFISD community initiatives across Cy-Fair.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
