Prior to the pandemic, suicide rates for adolescents were increasing. Rates increased 67% from 2000 to 2017, and an additional 36% from 2017 to 2019. Further, the number of mental health-related emergency department visits increased 31% among 12-17 year-olds during the height of the pandemic from mid-March to October 2020. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for youth. Additionally, adolescent substance use behavior may contribute to suicidal behavior. Approximately 1 in 10 adolescents reported consuming alcohol in the past month alone. Youth spend much of their time in schools, and 80% of adolescents who receive mental health services receive those services in schools. For these reasons, it is imperative schools develop and maintain best practices in both suicide and substance use prevention and intervention. We will discuss these best practices in today’s session.