SPRINGFIELD – On the one-year anniversary of its creation, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Safe2Help program reports that it has received 873 public interactions across the state. Safe2Help Illinois is a free, information sharing platform that is available 24/7. In the absence of a trusted adult, students can use a free app, text/phone, or the website, Safe2HelpIL.com to share school safety issues in a confidential environment. It was launched on October 20, 2021 and is a product of a statewide school safety capability assessment, following the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
“The Safe2Help program is designed to help school-age children who experience bullying, mental health struggles, or those who see signs of potential drug use or violence in someone else,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.
Since the program’s launch, Safe2Help Illinois’ top reports have been bullying (18.1%), suicidal ideation as reported by another student (4.7%), and possession and/or use of drugs which include vaping (5.2%). According to the National 4-H Council, 70 percent of teens have experience struggles with mental health. According to a 2020 Harris Poll, 42% of teens admit they’ve been leaning into their vices (e.g. unhealthy food, vaping) and unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with the impact of COVID-19. Finally, an Illinois Department of Human Services Survey in 2020 found suicide is the third leading cause of death of Illinois youth ages 10-19.
Weekdays 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
