• Introduction • Get Organized • Get Educated • Get Active • Stay Active

By Sue Eastgard, YSPP Director.

How did the group come together? What was the original impetus?

Between September 2000 and May 2001, six Clark County youth, ages 13-16, died by suicide. These deaths spurred the Board of County Commissioners (with assistance from the Dept. of Community Services) to convene a task force to develop an approach for preventing future suicides.

What kinds of people, agencies and/or skills are represented?

To provide support to the task force, the Dept. of Community Services requested assistance from group partners, including Community Choices 2010 and Southwest Washington Health District. Community representatives invited to take part in the task force included individuals from local school districts, faith-based organizations, neighborhood and community organizations, medical and health agencies, youth, parent-teacher associations, and County judicial, juvenile justice and social service departments.

How often does the group typically meet, and where?

The task force met from May to November 2001, conducting background research and developing a set of strategies to guide the community's efforts to prevent future suicides. They were aided in the process by Judith Clegg, a private consultant with Clegg & Associates.

Did the group set objectives and goals?

The written plan identifies six strategies:

What activities did/does the group do?

A teen hotline was funded and in December 2003, TeenTalk began. Grant funds for a University of Washington suicide prevention research study (CAST-Plus) were secured; the study was conducted in several high schools in Vancouver, WA. Resources were made available for the delivery of several gatekeeper training programs.

Are there obstacles to overcome?

Securing and maintaining a focus and funding, even when no more suicides occur.

Do you consider it worthwhile?

Yes; the issue was brought out in the open.