Suicide is the second leading cause of death of youth age 10-24 in Oregon. According to the Oregon Healthy Teens Survey in 2018, around 1 in 5 (19.7%) of Oregon’s 11th graders had experienced thoughts of suicide in the past year. It can feel overwhelming for adults who care about the youth we work with to think about responding to these statistics. However, there is hope. By taking actions to reduce stigma and reach out to youth who are hurting, we can combat these statistics and keep our youth safe.
Research in youth wellness shows that having one trusted adult in their life can dramatically increase the ability of a young person to cope with stress. However, depending on their life circumstances, it could be hard for a young person to identify adults that they trust. That’s where you come in. A teacher, school administrator, or other school professional can provide a trusting and mentoring relationship that can help students feel comfortable reaching out for help.
On this website, you’ll find resources, training information, and tools for implementing evidence-based suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention practices in your school.
Articles
- Oregon Health Authority – Youth Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan
- Youth Suicide in Oregon – Annual Report (2018)
Tools
- Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention: Step by Step
- Jackson County – School Re-Entry Plan
- Oregon Health Authority – What Every Teacher Should Know about Preventing Youth
- Eagle Point School District Plan for Risk Level & School Re-entry
- The Trevor Project – Model School Policy for Suicide Prevention
- Developing Comprehensive Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention Protocols: A Toolkit for Oregon Schools
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – After A Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools
Trainings
- Oregon Health Authority – Suicide Intervention Trainings
- Suicide Awareness – RESPONSE Program
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center – Evidence-Based Practices Database
Resources
Lines for Life – Youthline
Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention: Step by Step
Oregon Health Authority – Advocating for your loved one during a crisis