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Suicide Prevention in Schools


Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating one death by suicide every 11 minutes. While suicide does not leave anyone untouched, certain populations are at a higher risk due to disproportionality experiencing factors linked to suicide including racism, oppression and discrimination. 


Youth are at particularly high risk for suicide. In fact, the CDC reports that youth ages 10-24 account for 14% of all suicides. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14 and the third leading cause of death for all young people- resulting in approximately 6,643 deaths each year. These staggering statistics highlight that within the major public health crisis of suicide, youth are incredibly vulnerable. The data collected below shows just how widespread suicide is and how certain groups are at higher risk


Schools and school health partners have a responsibility to their community to provide comprehensive suicide prevention. This includes explaining how prevalent suicide is, discussing how suicide affects everyone, addressing the stigma associated with suicide, creating crisis plans for immediate risk of suicide, referring students to outside community and health partners when appropriate, and following up with continued support.


This month is suicide prevention month. But suicide prevention should be discussed and implemented year-round. To help support this effort, we have highlighted data and resources for suicide prevention programs that can be developed for the school setting.

The Data

Addressing Youth Suicide

Through School-Based Prevention

and Postvention

The National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation (NIHCM), in partnership with The Trevor Project, developed this infographic that explores trauma and suicide risk among LGBTQ youth. Research has consistently found that LGBTQ youth report more experiences of trauma-related events compared to their straight, cisgender peers. Take a deeper look at the data, as well some solutions.

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Suicide Data and Statistics

The CDC has collected data showing that suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. People of any age, race, ethnicity, or sex can experience suicide risk, but certain groups have substantially higher rates of suicide than the general U.S. population (13.9 per 100,000). This resource breaks down the data.

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2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health

The Trevor Project’s report demonstrates that rates of suicidal thoughts have trended upward among LGBTQ young people over the last three years. Capturing the experiences of nearly 34,000 LGBTQ youth ages 13 to 24 across the United States, with 45% of respondents being LGBTQ youth of color and 48% being transgender or nonbinary, our fourth annual national survey is one of the most diverse surveys of LGBTQ youth ever conducted.

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Suicide Clusters Within American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Communities

AI/AN adolescents and young adults, who—in some tribes—have alarmingly high suicide rates,

are at greater risk for suicide contagion and cluster formation than other age demographics.

Any strategies that address suicide clusters and their impact on AI/AN communities must consider the factors that contribute to, and mitigate, suicide cluster formation, and must include solutions that reflect the traditions, culture, and diversity of AI/AN peoples.

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National Resources to Develop and Maintain a Suicide Prevention Program in your School

Strategies for Community and School Settings for Youth Suicide Prevention

The American Academy of Pediatrics outlines a blueprint that provides strategies and concrete examples to help pediatric health clinicians, schools, and other community partners work together toward youth suicide prevention efforts. 

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Bringing Suicide Prevention to Your School

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) collected a list of programs that you can bring to your school.

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Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention: Model Language, Commentary, and Resources

This document outlines model policies and best practices for school districts to follow to protect the health and safety of all students. It identifies policies and procedures in place to prevent, assess the risk of, intervene, and respond to youth suicidal behavior.

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Grant Alerts

LGBTQIA Adolescent & Young Adult Health Research Award |

Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine

Funding to support research and program evaluation focused on LGBTQIA adolescents and young adults ages 13 to 26. Learn more.

Deadline: September 28, 2022

Champions for School Health Implementation Grants | National Association of School Nurses + Institute for Educational Leadership

Funding for programs or initiatives that increase access to and confidence in pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and school-required vaccines. Learn more.

Deadline: September 30, 2022

Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) Grant Program | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Funding to develop a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health programs and services. Learn more.

Deadline: October 13, 2022

Please note that CHHCS does not administer funding opportunities. Please refer to each organization for additional direction and details.
Upcoming Meetings and Events

September 14, 2022 | 12:00-1:00pm ET

Change for Good 2022: Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis

Healthy Schools Campaign

September 15, 2022 | 10:00-11:00pm ET

Re-thinking the Poverty Indicator: How FRPM Doesn’t Work

The School Superintendents Association; First Focus; Food Research & Action Center

September 15, 2022 | 4:00-5:00pm ET

Support Latinx Students

The American School Counselor Association

The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates delivered directly to your email box on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
© 2022 Center for Health and Health Care in Schools