A presentation Monday, Sept. 19 by Howell Public Schools will highlight September as Suicide Awareness Month.
In a message to the school community, Howell Superintendent Erin MacGregor said that while it was a “heavy topic, it is an important one.”
MacGregor said that like schools around Michigan and across the country, Howell has been impacted by the loss of students to suicide.
“As we work to increase mental health support available to students and to provide resources to families, we learned about the Do It For Daniel program,” said MacGregor.
Daniel Olson was an Ishpeming High School all–state athlete who died by suicide in 2012 after battling anxiety and depression for years. Daniel’s family has been open about Daniel’s mental health struggles and since his death have been working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
MacGregor said the district is excited to welcome Jeff Olson, Daniel’s father, to Howell, September 19 through the 21.
“Jeff travels to different schools and communities speaking on anxiety, depression, and suicide, and presenting the Do It For Daniel documentary,” he said.
While Olson is in the district, he will provide the following programs:
• Program for parents, staff, and the community – Monday, September 19 at 6:00 p.m. at the Howell High School Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/3BqXgEL.
• Program for Innovation Academy students on Tuesday, September 20
• Program for Howell High School School students on Wednesday, September 21
◦ 10th and 12th grade presentation – 8:30 a.m.
◦ 9th and 11th grade presentation – 12:00 p.m
MacGregor invited parents to consider attending the Monday evening program.
