Safe2Help Illinois

Safe2Help Illinois is a statewide initiative with the aim of preventing suicides, bullying, school violence, and other threats to school safety by offering students a safe, confidential way in which to share information. 

 

This program also offers schools, both public and private, additional educational resources and provides an outlet to help parents and educators reinforce the components of this program. 

 

The Village of Oak Park Department of Public Health hopes to make the Village a “Safe2Help” community by encouraging all schools within the village to enroll in the program.

 

Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program where students can use a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com) to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. Once vetted, the information provided will be shared with local district and school officials and/or local PSAP/9-1-1- call center, depending on the nature of the information shared. This program is not intended to suspend, expel, or punish students. Rather, the goal is to get students to “Seek Help Before Harm.” 

 

This is a long-term initiative to change the school culture in Illinois. By providing recommended educational resources as early as preschool, we hope to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues, foster a culture of kindness, and instill important lessons such as the difference between telling and tattling, internet safety, and suicide prevention.

 

Click here to visit the Safe2Help website and learn more about the program.

 

If you have questions or if your school is enrolling Safe2Help, please contact the Department of Public Health 708-358-5480 health@oak-park.us. The Village's goal is for all schools in Oak Park to be part of this program, and the Department of Public Health is available to assist in the process if needed.