The death of a student is a profound loss that affects our entire school community. During painful moments like this, our commitment is to ensure that no student, family, or staff member has to navigate grief alone, and that we respond to one another with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Grief looks different for everyone, but having access to clear guidance and care can make a meaningful difference. We are sharing local and dedicated support services available to our families, students, and staff members:
Community & Student Counseling Support
Blue Ridge Health: Behavioral health and counseling services are available via local clinics. Contact the Swain Clinic/Hwy 19 line at 828-341-1060, the School-Based Health Center/SMS at 828-233-3714, or the Haywood-West Crisis Line at 1-888-315-2880.
Cartwheel Services: Offers telehealth resources for students with no waitlist 7 days a week. Parents can fill out the online Family Interest Form or speak with a school counselor to set up a referral. Free parent/caregiver webinar series are also accessible through cartwheel.org.
Local Crisis Lines: Swain Crisis Response, the NC Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS-NC), and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available for immediate crisis care.
Grief Support: Local grief services are available through Four Seasons Grief Services. Families seeking educational materials can consult resources from the Dougy Center, the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, and the Child Mind Institute.
Support for School Staff
Colonial Life EAP: Swain County Schools provides a free Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program for employees working 20+ hours per week, providing 24/7 crisis help and confidential counseling (1-888-645-1772 or ColonialLife.com/EAP).
Professional Guidance: Staff can also utilize training modules, classroom strategies, and grief materials through the Coalition to Support Grieving Students, the MISS Foundation, Grief Share, and the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to our school administration or counseling department if you, your child, or someone you know needs extra support during this time. We are here for you.