M-DCPS Continues to Receive Florida Department of Education Suicide Prevention Certification

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is proud to announce that the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) has designated 39 schools as Suicide Prevention Certified Schools for the 2024-25 school year. With the inclusion of these schools, the District’s total number of certified schools over the past two years is 134.

“We are immensely proud of the schools that have taken enhanced steps to bring suicide prevention awareness to their school communities by focusing on training faculty and fostering a supportive environment where students feel safe and empowered to seek help,” said Martha Z. Harris, administrative director, Division of Student Services at M-DCPS.

FLDOE Suicide Prevention Certified Schools must meet the following criteria:

• All instructional personnel are required to complete two hours of department-approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every three years.

• The youth suicide awareness and prevention training must be included in the district’s continuing education plan.

• The school has at least two school-based mental health services providers that are qualified to conduct a suicide risk assessment.

• The school or district has a policy requiring the use of an approved suicide risk assessment procedure prior to interacting with students believed to be at risk.

The M-DCPS Division of Student Services encourages the participation of all schools in this important safety initiative and will provide additional opportunities for additonal schools to receive certification during the 2025-2026 school year. 

For the most up-to-date information, please download the Dadeschools Mobile App to your iPhone or Android device. Follow us on X @MDCPS and @SuptDotres, on Instagram @miamischools and @suptdotres, and on Facebook at MiamiSchools.