What We Do

Programs

Empowering those to talk about suicide and speak out rather than conceal the feeling. 

Educate

  • Maintain current statistics of suicide.
  • Provide presentations to businesses, schools, community centers, etc focusing suicide awareness
  • Mentor adolescents about suicide prevention

Community Engagement

The CREW program is a safe space which focuses on relationship, accountability, and integrity. Students are guided through a 16-week curriculum with the goal to increase knowledge of suicide. Students are exposed to real life situations that pertain to suicide and its related topics. Each meeting is designed to empower the CREW to openly discuss suicide and provide them with the necessary tools to educate others.

Crew: Classmates recognizing everyone's worth

Helping Empower Adolescents to Reject Thoughts of Suicide (HEARTS)

Support the Cause

What To Look For

In 2017, there were 32 suicide deaths, seven of which were age 14 or younger. The Kansas youth suicide rate continues to climb, despite a decline in the overall child death rate. Of the 32 youths who died by suicide, 66% had previously received or were receiving mental health services at the time of their death. In 28% of the deaths, the youth had a history of substance abuse.

Suicide remains the third leading cause of death for the 5-14 age-group. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for the 15-24 age-group.

In 2017, the CDC conducted a survey to determine high school youth risk behavior. Almost 30% felt sad or hopeless for 2 or more weeks, %16 of freshman considered attempting suicide, 13% of freshman had a plan, and 8.5% attempted suicide one or more times.  

Kansas State Child Death Review Board 2019: Suicide – death due to the intentional taking of one’s own life.

  • Be aware of the symptoms. Recognize the warning signs and discuss them.
  • Initiate the Conversation.The discussion of suicide should be a priority. Have the conversation and offer help before it’s too late.
  • Pay attention. If your teen is thinking about suicide, he or she is likely displaying warning signs. Listen to what your child is saying. Never shrug off threats of suicide as teen melodrama. Social media is a great indicator of teen behaviors and thoughts.
  • Discourage isolation.Encourage your teen to spend time with supportive friends and family.
  • Encourage a healthy lifestyle. Help your teen eat well, exercise, and get regular sleep.
  • Support the treatment plan. If your teen is undergoing treatment for suicidal behavior, remind him or her that it might take time to feel better. Help your teen follow his or her doctor’s recommendations. Also, encourage your teen to participate in activities that will help him or her rebuild confidence.
  • Safely store firearms, alcohol and medications. Access to means can play a role if a teen is already Experiencing thoughts of Suicide.