In 1999, the Surgeon General called for a public health approach to address suicide. The federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) has made reduction in the rate of youth suicide a priority for state MCH agencies as one of the 18 national core performance measures that state MCH agencies must address. An informal assessment of the youth suicide prevention efforts underway in state MCH agencies was conducted by CSN through review of state block grant Applications and follow-up phone calls. State MCH agencies are Working in collaboration with professionals from many disciplines to better understand the problem and to develop public health strategies. Efforts include integrating youth suicide prevention into existing programs; adding youth suicide prevention to conferences and training; participation in efforts to improve data collection; identification of key players and becoming a partner in youth suicide prevention efforts; and developing, implementing and evaluating state youth suicide prevention plans. The planning process for state MCH agency staff has multiple benefits including increased collaboration and coordination of a comprehensive approach, use of research-based recommendations on risk and resiliency factors, and community involvement. Findings will be summarized with an emphasis on the range and standard components of approaches among selected state suicide prevention plans.
Learning Objectives: 1. To identify the scope of youth suicide prevention efforts in selected state agencies. 2. To discuss the standard components and range of approaches in state suicide prevention plans
Keywords: Suicide, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CSN National Injury and Violence Prevention Resource Center, Education Development Center, Inc
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.