Why Herkimer BOCES is Right to Champion the 988 Lifeline
By David LaGuerre-
In a world of constant pressure and uncertainty, how do we ensure our kids know it is okay to ask for help? Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES is taking a proactive and compassionate stand by promoting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is not just about sharing a phone number; it is about actively working to destigmatize mental health struggles and building a culture of support for our students and families.
A Simple Number, A Lifesaving Connection
The 988 Lifeline is the mental health equivalent of 911. It is an easy-to-remember, 24/7 connection to trained counselors who can provide immediate support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts. Since its launch, the 988 Lifeline has seen a significant increase in call, text, and chat volumes, demonstrating a profound national need for accessible mental health support.
By actively promoting this resource, Herkimer BOCES is sending a powerful message to its students: you are not alone, and help is always available. In an educational system often focused on academic metrics, this emphasis on emotional well-being is both refreshing and absolutely essential.
The Moral Imperative to Support Student Mental Health
Our schools have a fundamental responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their students. Today, that responsibility must extend to mental health. The pressures facing young people—from academic stress and social media to family issues and global anxieties—are immense. Ignoring their mental and emotional needs is a form of educational malpractice.
Some may argue that schools should stick to teaching the “three R’s” and leave mental health to parents or professionals. This argument creates a false and dangerous divide. A student struggling with anxiety or depression cannot learn effectively. By integrating mental health awareness and resources into the school environment, we are not distracting from education; we are creating the necessary conditions for it to happen. It is the right, just, and compassionate thing to do.
Building a Community of Care
The effort by Herkimer BOCES is a model for how communities can wrap a network of support around their young people. But schools cannot do it alone. It is up to all of us—parents, neighbors, and community leaders—to foster open conversations about mental health. We must teach our children that there is no shame in struggling and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Let us applaud Herkimer BOCES for its leadership on this critical issue. Let us make sure the number 988 is as well-known as 911 in every household. And let us commit to building a Mohawk Valley where everyone, especially our youngest residents, feels safe, supported, and heard.
Please, share this story and the 988 number. You never know whose life you might save.
