September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month. National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 9-15, and World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10.

During this month, organizations and individuals across the country will be conducting activities to draw attention to the terrible tragedy of youth suicide.

Currently, suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24, losing an average of more than 118 young people each week to suicide in this age group. The number of suicide deaths for ages 10 to 14 have more than doubled since 2006. While suicide is a leading cause of death for young people, it is also a leading cause of preventable death.

The Jason Foundation, Inc. is a national leader in awareness and prevention programs targeted to address the “silent epidemic” of youth suicide. The foundation said that awareness and education are the first steps to suicide prevention. Through its affiliations, a triangle of prevention is established by providing students, parents, and teachers and youth workers the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth. All of their programs and materials are offered at no-cost to the public.

Since 1997, The Jason Foundation has never charged a school, community or individual for the use of any of their programs. In addition to various speaking engagements and events, The Jason Foundation will be actively promoting two programs to become involved in and help spread awareness during September.

First, the B1 Project is a collaborative effort between The Jason Foundation and music entertainment group Rascal Flatts. The positive, peer support program encourages youth through the slogan, “Someone you know may need a friend, B1.” The new, mobile-responsive site features more information and an updated look, http://www.rascalflattsb1.com.

Secondly, hashtag #IWONTBESILENT is an ongoing, awareness campaign from The Jason Foundation that encourages the community to raise the national conversation of youth suicide prevention. The campaign encourages and offers suggestions to conduct awareness events in schools, businesses, churches, and other organizations, http://www.iwontbesilent.com.

For additional information on The Jason Foundation, the alarming statistics on youth suicide and to find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office, visit their website at http://www.jasonfoundation.com.

Submitted by The Jason Foundation.