Program aims to reach teens considering suicide

Name of Program: Yellow Ribbon Teen Suicide Prevention Program.

Scope of program: Suicide is the #2 cause of death in Minnesota for people ages 15 to 44. Brainerd area adolescent mental health units report there are two to three admissions for teen suicide-related incidents per month.

To date, more than 30 Brainerd area caregiving groups are represented in this prevention coalition. Working committees have been formed. The first students and staff to be part of the program will be Crosby-Ironton schools, which began with staff education Wednesday. Student and community presentations are scheduled for Oct. 21.

Yellow Ribbon advertising and financial assistance campaigns are well under way, but will require ongoing commitment and efforts.

More participation is welcome, as this program will extend throughout the 2003 and 2004 school year and beyond. Area youth groups also will help carry on the program.

In light of recent events, it is obvious that our communities need to unite. Parents, medical personnel, churches, family support agencies, politicians, news media and all community resources are needed in this crucial campaign to save young people's lives and to save families from the tragedy of losing a young loved one to suicide.

Who's involved in providing and implementing the program: Crisis Line, our local 24/7, five-county hotline, is sponsoring this nationally-recognized program in Crow Wing County. Yellow Ribbon is a community-based organization whose purpose is to organize groups, provide alternative choices for youth, and develop public awareness and information about teen suicide. Yellow Ribbon is a Light-For-Life Foundation sponsored program based in Mankato.

To get more information and/or to support this program: The solution may lie within you. If you have a story to share or a special interest, contact Crisis Line at 828-4515. Your participation is needed.

(Spotlight on Children's Mental Health is sponsored by the Crow Wing County Local Advisory Council on Children's Mental Health.)