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Reaching out to the public through media
When YSPP began implementing strategies in 1995, nearly one-third of the biennial budget was spent on a major media campaign that included billboards, bus signs, brochures, and public service announcements for radio and television.
Despite a reduction in funding, increasing the general public's awareness about teen suicide is still a top priority for YSPP.
Video production
In 2000 Paraclete Press, a Massachusetts video production
company, approached YSPP about developing an educational video. "A
Cry for Help" was filmed in Washington State and featured middle
and high school students who participated in their school's suicide
prevention campaigns. The video has since been reviewed and recommended
by the American Association of Suicidology.
Order Online from
Paraclete Press.
Web site and printed materials
The YSPP web site has become an increasingly vital resource, receiving over 750,000 hits last quarter. We continually add new content with the intent of growing our audience, especially young people. The YSPP web site also enables distribution of DOH resources that include posters, brochures on warning signs, and parent and teacher guides.
Media advocacy
When a suicide occurs in a community we are often quoted in media reports, and consider each an opportunity to educate the public. Stories about suicide can inform readers and viewers about the likely causes of suicide, its warning signs, trends in suicide rates, recent treatment advances and local crisis resources. They can also highlight opportunities to prevent suicide.
It is suspected that teenagers and young adults are more vulnerable to the phenomenon of 'contagion' than other age groups. Because media coverage of suicide can contribute to increased incidence of suicide, we encourage media to follow these guidelines found on our web site.
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