“Take Five, Save a Life”

YScreen Recognizes September as Suicide Awareness Month

National Suicide Prevention Week: September 10^th-16^th, 2017

When suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved. Please join YScreen in supporting suicide prevention. Together we can reduce the number of lives shaken by a needless and tragic death.

Consider these facts:

• Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death both nationally and in Wisconsin.

• In the 2017 Fond du Lac School District Student Health Survey, 14% of 8^th, 10^th & 11^th grade respondents reported they have seriously considered suicide. This is a decrease from a high of 21% in 2006, but there is still work to be done as no loss is ever acceptable. Six percent of respondents state they have attempted suicide, which has remained fairly consistent over the years.

• YScreen is the only program in our community that addresses the issue of teen emotional health and suicide prevention through screening and connection to services. When your 9^th grader brings home YScreen information, take time to read it and return the permission slip.
• YScreen and CSI are enhancing suicide prevention efforts by providing suicide prevention trainings including QPR and Youth Mental Health First Aid in the community throughout the year. See www.csifdl.org for more information.

Take “5”

1. Learn the Signs,

2. Do Your Part,

3. Practice Self-Care,

4. Reach Out,

5. Spread the Word

Together as a community, we can make a difference in the lives of our youth.

Additional Considerations for Prevention

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – is always available at 1-800-273-TALK. All calls to this helpline are answered in WI at a crisis center closest to you. You can also contact the person’s physician, a local mental health professional, a clergyperson or another trusted professional.
• Secure Firearms. One of the best things you can do to prevent the risk of suicide by use of firearms is to reduce the access to lethal means. Another preventative measure is to use gun-locks which can be acquired at the Sheriff’s Department and City Police Department at no cost.
• Become Informed. Following are important resources that will help you understand how real, common and treatable some mental health disorders are:

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: www.sprc.org

Mental Health of America: www.mhawisconsin.org

Helping Others Prevent and Educate about Suicide: www.hopes-wi.org

National Mental Health Information Center: http://mentalhealth.samsha.gov/

Download YScreen Newsletter September 2017

YScreen staff help connect teens and their families to the appropriate community resources that can address emotional health concerns. If you would like more information or to request screening for your child, please contact us at (920)906-6700 ext. 4714.