Prevention Works: Where do we go from here?

• Prevention: Where do we go from here?

• What more can be done to help prevent youth suicide?

Where do we go from here?

We believe that every citizen of the state should understand that while youth suicide is a problem, there is something that can be done about it.

To enhance public awareness...

Children as young as 6th grade should be taught to recognize the warning signs for depression and suicide. They need to know how to help a friend who is exhibiting signs, and the resources for help. Parents need to know about community resources and should be encouraged to push through obstacles to asking for help. Teachers and school personnel need to develop crisis plans that encourage staff to respond to suicidal behaviors.

To enhance skills and knowledge of gatekeepers who work with youth...

All educators, physicians and health care providers need to be trained to ask a young person directly about suicidal thoughts.

To enhance community-based safety nets for youth...

Community members need to address the stigma associated with mental illness and increase the accessibility of crisis resources. Communities should also support funding for after school and evening programs that provide youth with meaningful activities.

This work continues to be of vital importance, because...

Only 27% of respondents at surveyed schools said they would “very likely” continue suicide prevention efforts if YSPP support was withdrawn

Only 50% agreed that “there is a shared belief in the community that prevention is important”

Despite the fact that suicide ranks higher than homicide as a cause of death among teens, suicide prevention was perceived as a lower priority problem than violence, drug/alcohol use and sexual assault

(Source: July 2001 ORS Survey of Principals, Teachers and Counselors)

Working together

Through our partnerships with individuals, families and communities, we’ve enjoyed many successes. Yet as long as youth still consider suicide an option we are reminded of how much more there is to do.

By creating a safety net for all of our children, we not only reduce health care costs associated with suicidal behaviors, we save young lives and spare families the anguish of such a tragic loss.

Help protect the future of our young people.

Youth Suicide
Prevention Program
email: info@yspp.org
444 NE Ravenna Blvd., #401
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 297-5922 (office)
(206) 297-0818 (fax)

website: metatoggle