September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  National Suicide Prevention Week isSeptember 9 – 15, 2018, with World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10th.  During this month and week, organizations and individuals across the country will be conducting activities to draw attention to the terrible tragedy of youth suicide. 

Currently, suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for ages 10 – 24.  We lose an average of more than 118 young people each week to suicide in this age group.  The number of suicide deaths for ages 10 – 14 have more than doubled since 2006.  While suicide is a leading cause of death for young people, it is also a leading cause of PREVENTABLE death. 

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is a national leader in awareness and prevention programs targeted to address the “silent epidemic” of youth suicide.  JFI believes awareness and education are the first steps to suicide prevention. Through its affiliations, a Triangle of Prevention is established by providing students, parents, teachers, and the community the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.  All of their programs and materials are offered at no-cost to the public. Since 1997, The Jason Foundation has never charged a school, community, or individual for the use of any of their programs. 

In addition to various speaking engagements and events, The Jason Foundation will be actively promoting two programs that you can become involved in to help spread awareness during September. 

  • B1 Project – The B1 Project is a collaborative effort between The Jason Foundation and music entertainment group Rascal Flatts.  The positive, peer support program encourages youth through the slogan, “Someone you know may need a friend, B1.”  The new, mobile-responsive site features more information and an updated look.  www.rascalflattsb1.com
  • #IWONTBESILENT - #IWONTBESILENT is an ongoing, awareness campaign from The Jason Foundation that encourages the community to raise the national conversation of youth suicide prevention.  The campaign encourages and offers suggestions to conduct awareness events in schools, businesses, churches, and other organizations.www.iwontbesilent.com

For additional information on The Jason Foundation, the alarming statistics on youth suicide, and to find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office near you, visit their website atwww.jasonfoundation.com

 

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