Rockford, Ill. – In response to a spate of six suicides in the community, Marshmallow’s Hope, a behavioral‑health clinic that provides free mental‑health services to children and families, has begun delivering suicide‑prevention education directly to classrooms across Rockford Public Schools.

Tailored lessons for every grade level

Founder and CEO Laura Kane explained that the organization already received referrals from the district for at‑risk youth. “We asked the schools what more we could do,” Kane said. “Now we are going into the schools themselves.”

Presentations are customized by age group. Elementary students receive instruction on cyberbullying and the broader risks of bullying, while middle‑ and high‑school students learn to recognize suicide warning signs in themselves and peers, as well as steps to take and resources to contact when concerns arise.

Early impact and increased referrals

Since the program’s launch, Marshmallow’s Hope reports a noticeable rise in referrals from Rockford Public Schools, along with additional inquiries from parents seeking help for their children. The clinic can assess referred students within 24 to 48 hours to determine the appropriate level of treatment.

“We’re definitely seeing that this is creating a positive impact so that we can intervene and help prevent youth suicides,” Kane noted.

Supporting families and removing barriers

All services are offered at no cost, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. “We don’t care if you have ability to pay, inability to pay. We fundraise that. We don’t charge any families for any of our services,” Kane said.

The organization also partners with the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board to provide transportation for children enrolled in its intensive outpatient program, eliminating a common barrier to treatment.

Looking beyond Rockford

Marshmallow’s Hope plans to expand its school‑presentation model to other districts throughout Illinois, hoping to encourage more open conversations about mental health at home and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Parents and schools interested in scheduling a presentation can contact Marshmallow’s Hope via email at [email protected] or through the organization’s website.

Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.