Suicide and suicide-related behaviors are a significant health and public policy concern. In 2005, over 32,000 suicides occurred in the United States, which made suicide the 11 th leading cause of death. Suicide was the third leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds. Thousands more are hospitalized or treated in ambulatory care settings as a result of injuries from suicide attempts. In 2000, the cost of medical treatment for injuries resulting from suicidal behavior was $1 billion, which indicates that suicidal behavior has a significant financial cost, in addition to the well-documented emotional and psychological toll it has on survivors, family, and friends.

Kentucky is not immune to the problems of suicide, as its suicide rate is the 18 th highest in the nation. In Kentucky, over 500 lives are lost to suicide each year, which is almost twice the number of deaths from homicide and HIV combined. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Kentuckians 15-34 years of age. In addition, in 2003 self-inflicted injuries accounted for almost 3,000 hospital admissions.

The Stop Youth Suicide (SYS) campaign consists of a diverse group of physicians, mental health providers, health care administrators, students, volunteers and policy makers who are committed to responding to this pressing issue and exploring ways to reduce the rate of suicide among Kentucky youth. SYS attempts to raise awareness of suicide and to formulate and implement prevention and intervention programs. Informed by the recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Strategic Direction for the Prevention of Suicidal Behavior, SYS recognizes that suicidal behavior is a complex phenomenon with multiple casual pathways. As a result, SYS is dedicated to responding to this problem by employing a multifaceted approach. This approach recognizes the vital importance of building new, as well as augmenting existing connections among individuals at risk and their families, communities, and institutions. Guided by this approach, SYS designs and implements suicide prevention programs that target at-risk individuals, as well as area schools and community organizations. The impact of suicidal behavior on these groups can be devastating. It is anticipated that significant progress in addressing youth suicide will continue to be achieved as the connections among these stakeholders are enhanced and coordinated prevention and intervention efforts are undertaken.

Since the SYS campaign began in October 2000, fourteen adolescent lives have been documented as saved, emergency room visits for suicide attempts in two local hospitals are down from 200 to 120 per year, and the total number of completed suicides has declined by 20% over the last five years in Fayette County.  The SYS Web site also serves as a resource, providing phone numbers to crisis lines, which have been heavily utilized by teens.

The Stop Youth Suicide campaign needs your help. Please consider volunteering your time and/or making a financial contribution. SYS also hosts an annual conference that addresses emerging issues in youth suicide. I f you have any questions or comments about the Stop Youth Suicide campaign, the annual conference, volunteer opportunities, or if you would like someone to contact you about counseling services, please e-mail us at Contact Me@stopyouthsuicide.com