Winter break is here and for many, that means time connecting with family and celebrating the joy of the season while school is on break. For many of us, this time of year can also come with stress and challenges. While we each celebrate this season’s joys, it’s important to stay mindful, acknowledge our feelings, and reach out for help if needed.

I want to take a moment and remind our families that it’s OK to ask for help and support is available for those who need it.

YouthLine

YouthLine is a free and confidential teen-to-teen help line. Students are encouraged to contact YouthLine via phone, text, chat, and email to talk about anything that may be bothering them. Teens are available to help daily from 4-10 p.m. Pacific Time (adults are available by phone at all other times).

NEW: Care Solace

Care Solace - Bend-La Pine schools partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of our community. If you or your family members are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance. This is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service provided by Bend-La Pine schools.

If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a mental health care provider:

• Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in over 200 languages.
• Visit www.caresolace.com/bls and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

SafeOregon

SafeOregon allows students and families to report information that involves students, the safety of their fellow students or their school 24-hours-a-day. With SafeOregon, students can report anything from vandalism to theft to cyberbullying via text, phone, email or online.

Student Mental Health Webpage

I’d also like to ask that you and your child(ren) take a look at the many other community resources available by stopping by the Student Mental Health webpage. Here, we have collected numerous national and community resources aimed at supporting student mental health from a variety of sources.

From all of us at Bend-La Pine Schools, we hope you have a safe, peaceful and happy holiday season and we will see you back here on Tuesday, January 3.

Yours in partnership,

Dr. Steven Cook, Superintendent