Participate in National Suicide Prevention Week
August 27, 2009 - National Suicide Prevention Week is September 6 – 12, 2009. This year’s theme is “A Global Agenda on the Science of Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery.” In 2006 alone, more than 33,000 people died by suicide in the U.S., and it is currently the eleventh leading cause of death in the nation. According to the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), suicide prevention is everyone’s business and anyone can participate in Suicide Prevention Week, including schools.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds; only accidents and homicides are more frequent. Moreover, one youth completes suicide every 2 hours and 5 minutes, which approximates 11.5 persons each day. And, for every completed suicide by youth, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made.
These statistics emphasize the need for schools to be proactive about increasing awareness about suicide warnings and signs and helping prevent its incidence among youth. Schools are ideal locations to promote public awareness of the goals of suicide prevention, educate the public about the prevalence of suicide, as well as involve young adults in prevention activities.
According to the AAS, risk factors for suicide can vary, but usually include mental illness, substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, hopelessness, access to lethal means, recent loss of loved ones, unemployment, and vulnerability to self-harm. Protective factors, on the other hand, include high self-esteem, social connectedness, problem-solving skills, and having supportive family and friends.
The Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) promulgated by the CDC can help increase such protective factors among young people. By utilizing the CSHP model, schools can create policies and programs that include: family and community involvement; a healthy school environment; and counseling and psychological services; among others. In addition, it is imperative that schools address bullying which has been shown to be a frequent problem within schools and many times a precursor of suicide for bullying victims who end up feeling helpless.
According to the AAS, it is also important that individuals and organizations
1) recognize suicide as a national,state, and local public health problem;
2) acknowledge that no single suicide prevention program or effort will be appropriate for all populations or communities; and 3) encourage initiatives based on the goals contained in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
AAS has developed an Information and Media Kit that includes ideas for activities to help celebrate the Week. Activities that can be held within schools include: offering speaking engagements; coordinating training sessions on suicide assessment, intervention, and resources available in the community; creating promotional materials; and inviting public officials to related events.
For more information, please visit the AAS website, which includes a webpage on a School Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program.
Source: "National Suicide Prevention Week Information & Media Kit," American Association of Suicidology; and CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health Website.