Suicide Prevention Manual

Suicide is a frightening and serious problem. It is the third leading cause of death in young people ages 10-24. Completed suicides are a traumatic event that affects the entire community. Questions of "why" and "what could we have done" always linger as students are remembered and mourned. The statistics for young people who "have
attempted" or "considered suicide" is staggering. According to the CDC National Youth Risk Behavior Survey of students in grades 6-12 in California in 2015, 17.9% of students seriously considered attempting suicide, 15.2% made a plan, and 8.9% attempted suicide one or more times. Statewide and nationally, many more male youth than female youth commit suicide. In 2013, males accounted for almost 80% of youth suicides in California (354 of 452).

 

In Mammoth Unified School District, we administer the California Healthy Kids Survey that, provides a measurement of key indicators of school climate and student well-being. These include factors such as school engagement and supports, fairness and respect, school safety, home supports, alcohol, drug, and tobacco use, disciplinary environment, lifetime substance abuse, and physical health. The data tells us how students are doing today. This survey is administered every two years.

 

The Mammoth Unified School District is committed to suicide awareness, education, and prevention. This guide is intended to provide information and direction for staff members when confronting issues of suicide.

 

The complete Suicide Intervention Guide is provided below as a PDF that can be downloaded.