In newly released data from the CDC, 22% of high school students across the country seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021. In Lincoln last year, the Lincoln Police Department received 641 calls for service specifically for the mental health of children ages 7-18, which is almost two calls a day. Eighty-five of those calls (or 7 each month) were about suicide. These calls are not isolated to a particular zip code, but are coming from every neighborhood in our community.

When Louis started 7th grade, his teachers noticed changes in his behavior. He was withdrawing from his friends, would cry often and had difficulty regulating his emotions. When he began harming himself, a school counselor completed a suicide risk assessment. Louis confided that he had experienced thoughts of suicide but felt he couldn’t share his feelings with family or friends. The counselor connected Louis and his family to one of United Way’s partner agencies for immediate help.

This came as a surprise to Louis’ parents. They noticed their son had become more agitated at home, but were hoping it was just the normal mood swings associated with becoming a teenager.

After an evaluation with a mental health therapist, a safety plan was created for Louis. His parents and teachers worked together to be responsive to his needs.

Weekly therapy sessions helped Louis and his parents communicate more openly. This helped Louis feel safe enough to share some of his more difficult emotions. In addition to starting medication to regulate his moods, he also gained healthy coping skills.

All this was made possible through generous community donations to the United Way Impact Fund by individuals like you. Thank you for the role you have played in making it possible for Louis and his family to get support. When our community works together, we can truly be there for those who need it most.

Louis’ story is just one example of how the Impact Fund has changes lives this past year. By focusing on improving health, expanding education and growing financial stability, we are ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive.