The suicide rate in Utah for males is the highest in the nation. And, once more, the suicide rate in the Intermountain area is much higher than the nation as a whole.
Nationwide, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for youths 15 to 24. The numbers alone justify multiple efforts to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of suicide in Utah.
On Monday, state officials, educators and private citizens announced the start of a new school-based program, the Jason Foundation. The foundation was founded by Clark Flatt after his son, Jason, killed himself in the summer of 1997. The foundation provides suicide prevention training for teens, parents and educators for free. It also will offer community seminars and a community assistance hotline.
The foundation joins ongoing efforts by NAMI Utah's Hope for Tomorrow Program, the Provo School District's Hope Task Force and other smaller organizations and parent support groups in Utah. There's a need for assistance at many levels. In fact, as Greg Hudnall, executive director of the Hope Task Force, was preparing to speak at the announcement of the Jason Foundation, he received a telephone call informing him of the suicide of a teenage girl in Moab. If anything, the tragic news illustrated the need for more advocacy efforts.
According to Hudnall, eight out of 10 youths who kill themselves have told someone of their pain. But that person has never told an adult who might have been able to help.
Many times, adults may be unaware of suicide risks or do not comprehend that their child is considering ending his or her life. Flatt described his son as a "a good all-around kid." Even though Flatt as a parent was involved in numerous organizations intended to protect children, he was unaware that suicide is a leading cause of death for young people.
It is hoped that the Jason Foundation complements the ongoing efforts of existing Utah organizations dedicated to assisting youth, their families and the community at large. Utah must do more to break through the barriers of asking for help with mental illness and other issues that place kids at higher risks for suicide.