NEW: Senator Reed Secures Federal Funding For Suicide Prevention Program

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Friday, July 22, 2011

Nate Holterman, GoLocalProv News Contribtuor

Senator Jack Reed announced Thursday that the Rhode Island Youth Suicide Prevention Project (RIYSPP) will receive $480,000 to establish suicide prevention programs in certain public schools and community organizations throughout the state. The money will also provide aid to the Rhode Island National Guard and the state’s Veteran’s Administration in a concerted effort to assist military members and their families.

Suicide among youth has been on the rise in recent years. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Center for Disease Control’s 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, it is among the leading causes of death among college students and among youths age 10 to 24.

In a press release, Senator Reed applauded the grant and stated, “This grant will provide critical resources for prevention and outreach efforts in Rhode Island to help at-risk youth before it is too late.”

The $480,000 grant will provide the RIYSPP with ample resources to screen and identify at risk youth. It will also serve in launching a state-wide media campaign to help educate the general public about the warning signs of suicide and how to respond.