New programs offered to prevent suicide

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – In California, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24 and every 0.65 or less than one young person per day is lost to the silent epidemic of youth suicide.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 8-14, climaxing the World Suicide Prevention Day Sept. 10. All around the nation, suicide prevention organizations, volunteers, individuals and other interested groups will be conducting prevention and awareness events.

The Jason Foundation Inc. is currently planning events and activities to help spread awareness as well. In addition to various speaking engagements and events, JFI will be promoting several initiatives for the month of September.

Hashtag #IWONTBESILENT is an ongoing awareness campaign from Jason Foundation Inc. 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. For more information, visit http://www.iwontbesilent.com.

B1 Project is a collaborative effort between Jason Foundation Inc. and the music entertainment group Rascal Flatts. The positive, peer support program encourages youth through the slogan, “Someone you know may need a friend, B1.” For more information, visit http://www.rascalflattsb1.com.

To reach their crisis text line, text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained crisis counselor.

The crisis support team is a free resource for guidance and advice when dealing with traumatic events that could affect a young people’s emotional health in a school, church, youth organization or other setting.

Visit http://www.jasonfoundation.com to learn about the programs are offered, where the nearest Jason Foundation Inc. affiliate office is and how to become involved in Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Submitted by The Jason Foundation Inc.