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Missouri

Empowering Schools with Comprehensive Mental Health Resources and Education

Erika's Lighthouse is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about mental health, reducing stigma, and preventing suicide. Schools in Missouri can leverage free Erika's Lighthouse resources, including classroom programs and staff training courses, to fulfill state suicide prevention and mental health education mandates.

State Requirements / Best Practice

Missouri's Brennan's Law requires school districts to provide at least two hours of suicide prevention training to all licensed educators starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, the act mandates that public school students in grades 5 through 8 receive mental health awareness training as part of their health or physical education curriculum.

Requirements Level I
(grades 4-6)
Level II
(grades 5-9)
Level III
(grades 8-12)
Staff
Training
Suicide Prevention Training for licensed educators ✓
Mental Health Awareness training for students in grades 5-8 ✓ ✓ ✓

Implementation

To meet state suicide prevention mandates, schools can incorporate structured classroom lessons and staff professional development into their annual wellness plans. Erika's Lighthouse offers free, turnkey resources and training modules designed to help educators efficiently implement these required programs.

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"
Teach the Erika's Lighthouse Curriculum 1-4 Day Lessons for grades K-12 Under "Depression & Suicide", then "Classroom Education"
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

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

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.