OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KGTV) - The suicide of a popular senior at El Camino High School in October has students asking the school district to offer more programs and education about mental health and suicide.
Seniors in the AP Government class will present their ideas to the Oceanside Unified School District Board at their meeting Tuesday night.
The students are asking for a permanent, full-time therapist on every high school campus in the district, as well as the creation of a wellness center and office. That way, students have someone to go to if they need counseling or mental health help.
They also want the district to start using the HERE NOW program offered by North County Lifeline. It's an educational program to erase the stigma of mental illness.
"It's something we don't really talk about on campus," said El Camino High senior Caitlin Guia. "And that needs to change."
The issue came to the forefront in October when Majesty Prado, a senior at El Camino High, committed suicide. She had been a popular student with a bright future, and no one suspected that she suffered from depression or any other mental health problems.
"It took our family completely by surprise," said Adriana Prado, her cousin.
The Prados support the students' effort to increase awareness and resources on campus. They say if that had been around last fall, Majesty might still be alive.
"If she were here, she'd be doing the exact same thing. She'd be right beside them fighting for this," said Prado.
The district's school board meeting is at 6 p.m.
Information on suicide, risk factors, warning signs to watch for, how to get help, resources and training is available online at www.up2sd.org.
Access and Crisis Line: 888-724-7240 | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
