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Abstract #166162

Sarah M. Ragsdale, BS, School of Public Health; Student Services Division, University of Nevada, Reno, JTSU University of Nevada, Reno MS 058, Reno, NV 89557, 775-230-3634, president@asun.unr.edu, Kristen Clements-Nolle, PhD, MPH, School of PublicHealth, University of Nevada, Reno, University of Nevada, Reno MS 274, Reno, NV 89557, and Shannon Ellis, PhD, Vice President of Student Services, University of Nevada, Reno, University of Nevada, Reno MS 009, Reno, NV 89557.

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death for young adults. There is a need to identify the scope of this problem on college and university campuses and develop targeted programs, policies, and procedures. Methods: Data on student suicide deaths at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) was obtained and compared to age-specific State and National rates published by the Centers for Disease Control. Using the Jed Foundation Framework for Developing Institutional Protocols, a group of student government leaders (n=21) and a group of UNR administrators (n=20) reviewed the data, identified barriers to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, and developed recommendations. Results: Suicide rates for UNR students in 2006 (26.9/per 100,000) were much higher than 18-24 year old rates in Nevada (13.83/per 100,000) and the Nation (12.21/per 100,000). Administrators and student leaders identified a number of barriers, including: 1) a large commuter student population that may not access campus resources; 2) insufficient policies and procedures for dealing with distressed students; and 3) fear of liability and legal issues among faculty and administrators. Recommendations included: 1) creating a stronger “campus culture” with targeted programming for off-campus and incoming students; 2) implementing peer-based prevention programs; 3) providing suicide training for faculty and administrators; and 4) establishing a task force to develop suicide protocols and procedures. Conclusions:Alarmingly high suicide rates on this University campus highlight the need for responsive programs, policies, and procedures. Including a diverse group of students and administrators in suicide prevention planning was a critical first step in this process.

Learning Objectives:

• -To evaluate the scope of the problem of campus suicide on a college campus.
• -To identify barriers and formulate recommendations to prevent college student suicide.

Keywords: College Students, Suicide

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.