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Iowa

Supporting staff and students with evidence-based suicide prevention training

Erika's Lighthouse is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about mental health, reducing stigma, and preventing suicide. Schools in Iowa can leverage free Erika's Lighthouse resources, including the Staff Training Course on Depression & Suicide and staff training materials, to fulfill state annual suicide prevention and postvention training mandates.

State Requirements / Best Practice

Iowa Code 2025, Section 279.70 requires school district boards to provide annual, evidence-based suicide prevention and postvention training to all licensed personnel who have regular contact with K-12 students. Under this mandate, eligible school staff must complete at least one hour of training based on nationally recognized standards each year.

Requirements Staff
Training
Training in suicide prevention (at least one hour annually) ✓

Implementation

To meet state suicide prevention requirements, schools can implement evidence-based staff training and student awareness activities throughout the school year. Erika's Lighthouse offers free, adaptable resources and professional development modules to assist educators in successfully fulfilling these state mandates.

Erika's Lighthouse provides free 1-on-1 support to any school looking to implement our programs. Reach out to your Erika's Lighthouse contact to learn how you and your school can successfully implement Erika's Lighthouse programs.

Action Resource Location on Resource Portal
Complete the Erika's Lighthouse 3 part Depression & Suicide Prevention staff training Staff Training Course: Depression & Suicide Under "Depression & Suicide" then "Policy & Staff Training" then "My Portal For Staff Training"
READ THE EXPERTS

Access FREE Curriculum & Resources

Create a free Resource Portal account to gain instant access to all resources. You can start implementing in your school today.

Four Pillar Model Programs

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Classroom Education

Reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking. Students learn coping mechanisms and strategies for staying well.

Educate Students

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Empowerment Clubs

Empowered students can normalize conversations, encourage help-seeking, and inspire their peers to action.

Empower Youth

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Family Engagement

Good mental health begins at home. Families and caregivers are essential pieces of the puzzle.

Engage Families

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Policy & Staff Training

School-based personnel establish the foundation through training and well-being.

Equip Staff

A MISSION, NOT A BUSINESS

Why Choose Erika's Lighthouse

free

100% Free

Lessons, campaign kits, advisor handbooks, and student leadership materials are provided at zero cost to your school or district. Donors fund our programs.

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Evidence-based

Our programs meet ESSA Tier 2 evidence-based criteria.

turn-key

Ready to use

Turnkey lessons and 70+ "Awareness Into Action" campaigns, so staff don't build anything from scratch. 

training

 1-on-1 Support

We offer on-demand implementation training and 1:1 support to ensure these programs make a powerful impact.
TESTIMONIALS

Moments of Hope

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Donate Today

Make a donation to advance Erika's Lighthouse mission to empower more young people to take control of their mental health. You can be a lifeline for a lifetime. 

BECOME A BEACON

Access FREE Curriculum & Resources

Create a free Resource Portal account to gain instant access to all resources. You can start implementing in your school today.