Teen Suicide Prevention Campaign
Suicide is the third leading cause of death of young people aged 15-24 in the United States. Four thousand suicides occur each year in this age group alone, exacting an enormous toll on our Nation's families and communities. More youth die by suicide than from malignancies, congenital abnormalities and infectious diseases combined -- and these suicides are largely preventable.
In April 2000, I participated with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to launch its teen suicide prevention campaign. The campaign tag line is "Suicide Shouldn't Be a Secret." It sends a clear message to teens: it is okay to break the trust of a friend in order to get him or her help for depression and suicide. Research tells us that teens talk with their peers about feeling depressed or suicidal, but these peers often do not know how to help their friends effectively. AFSP's campaign shows teens how to take the next step -- the step that sometimes means the difference between life and death. "Suicide Shouldn't Be a Secret" also raises awareness of teen suicide risk factors for parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, school counselors, coaches and other community members.
Since its launch, AFSP's public service announcements have aired on TV and radio stations around the country. The message is reaching millions. Still, we must do more.
In May 2001, I released goal and objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (www.mentalhealth.org/suicideprevention). These goals and objectives established a comprehensive plan to prevent suicide in the United States. Reaching each young person in America with the messages in "Suicide Shouldn't Be a Secret" supports that comprehensive plan. I hope you will make it part of your own comprehensive plan for suicide prevention -- one that involves your entire community in promoting early, effective interventions and healthy development for young people.
Sincerely Yours,
David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.
