Despite increased awareness, suicide continues to be a significant public health challenge in Nevada. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nevada ranked 7th highest for rate of suicide in 2019, with suicide as the second leading cause of death for youth aged 15-24 years.
We need to work together in order to help prevent a suicide. If we can intervene on feelings of isolation or aloneness, listen, and build a connection, we can help plant a seed of hope and willingness to keep safe.
September is Suicide Prevention Month.
Suicide Prevention Day is 10th of September.
NOSP Article: Suicide Prevention in Nevada: COVID-19 Impact, Risk & Protective Factors, and Recommendations
Know the signs. Don’t wait for a crisis. If people get help and support before an attempt, they rarely make a second attempt. Reduce access to lethal means. Acting on thoughts of suicide can be impulsive. Reducing access gives time to get help and save lives. Lock up all medications, firearms, and securely store the ammunition separately.
Talk openly, teach coping and problem-solving skills. It is paramount to also address feelings of grief, loss, and disruption. We need to nurture a compassionate community which provides a sense of safety, security, and belonging for all; encourage and model open communication; and create opportunities to talk and connect, especially for youth and young adults.
Know what questions to ask. Using a simple screening tool, (e.g., the —Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale), helps determine a person’s suicide risk level.
Media reporting. Responsible and safe media reporting on suicide deaths by not sensationalizing or glamorizing suicide will decrease the risk of contagion. Including stories of hope, help, and resilience can improve suicide prevention awareness in a community.
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone accross the United States starting on July 16, 2022.
Suicide Prevention | nv.gov
What Foster Parents Can Do to Prevent Suicide | Welcome Educator (rutgers.edu)
Office of Suicide Prevention Training Programs | nv.gov
Increased Risk Groups | youth.gov
Nevada's Just in Time Training is a web based service program designed to connect foster parents, kinship or other caregivers with training, peer experts and other resources. Questions are answered and practical solutions to care for children are discussed - all from the comfort of your home or office.
If you have difficulty accessing any material on this site, please contact us in writing and we will work with you to make the information available. You can direct your request to JITSupport@USF.edu.