In 1992, a promising 16-year old student and athlete named Trevor Simpson died by suicide. Immediately after his death Trevor's parents, Scot and Leah Simpson, began advocating for resources and programs that could help prevent other young people from dying . Their efforts resulted in funding from the Washington State Legislature to write a youth suicide prevention plan.
In 1995 the Legislature allocated state dollars to implement the plan, charging the Department of Health to implement and evaluate select components of the plan. Public Education, Gatekeeper Training, and Crisis Services Enhancement were selected from universally recommended strategies. The School of Nursing at the University of Washington was designated as the provider of youth suicide prevention services; the Legislature reallocated funding again in 1997.
With a reduction of funding in 1999, the Washington State Department of Health awarded a professional services contract to Sue Eastgard to continue program activities. In 2001, the Youth Suicide Prevention Program incorporated as a private, not-for-profit organization with continued support from DOH, as well as funding from contributions, corporate gifts, fundraising and training fees.
Today, YSPP envisions a state where youth suicide is a rare event, where young people are nurtured and supported, where individuals and families are aware of risk factors for suicide, and actively seek help from accessible, effective community resources. To that end, we focus on public awareness, training, and communities in action.