MMWR, June 11, 2004; 53(22):476-78. To describe the psychosocial and behavioral characteristics of school-associated suicide victims, CDC analyzed data from school and police officials. The results indicated that, among the 126 students who carried out school-associated homicides or suicides, 28 (22%) died by suicide, including eight who intentionally injured others immediately before killing themselves. Potential indicators of suicide risk such as expressions of suicidal thoughts, recent social stressors, and substance use were common among the victims. These findings underscore the need for school staff to recognize risk factors for suicide.
Resource Types: Report
Broken promises: Evaluating the Native American health care system
This report discusses the disparities in the health status and outcomes for Native Americans.
Incarceration of youth who are waiting for community mental health services in the United States
At the request of Rep. Henry A. Waxman and Sen. Susan Collins, the Special
Investigations Division surveyed every juvenile detention facility in the United
States to assess what happens to youth when community mental health services
are not readily available.
This report, the first national study of its kind, presents the results of the survey.
It covers the period from January 1 to June 30, 2003.
The report finds that the use of juvenile detention facilities to house youth waiting
for community mental health services is widespread and a serious national
problem.
Assessing suicide and risk behaviors in an incarcerated American Indian population: Investigating culturally sensitive risk assessment instruments and procedures in a border jail
The overall objective of this research was to address and fill in the gaps in the existing research literature by evaluating a popular suicidal ideation assessment tool, one commonly used within detention centers around the country, for its cultural sensitivity and to modify and, where appropriate, to improve the state, local, and tribal correctional agencies’ ability to more effectively screen for suicide ideation among American Indian detainees. This endeavor involved exploring the connection between American Indian – Northern Plains culture and non-Indian inmates’ responses to suicide screening questions as they are asked within this setting.
Acting on what we know: Preventing youth suicide in First Nations
The purpose of the Advisory Group on Suicide Prevention was to review the existing research and formulate a series of practical, doable recommendations to help stem the tide of youth suicides occurring in First Nations communities across Canada. This report provides an examination of the issues the Group identified, from basic suicide data to specific factors affecting First Nations, and based on this, presents recommendations for action.
A call to collaboration: The federal commitment to suicide prevention
Originally published as an article in (2003), Suicide & Life Threatening Behavior, 33(2):101-10. The federal government, largely through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, sponsors many science-based suicide prevention initiatives. This article details the prevention-related agendas and collaborative efforts of five divisions within agencies.
Achieving the promise: Transforming mental health care in America
The New Freedom Commission on Mental Health was charged with studying the mental health service delivery system and making recommendations that would enable adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbance to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. Six goals and corresponding recommendations have been identified. Includes Executive Order 13263 of April 29, 2002.
Technical assistance sampler: School interventions to prevent youth suicide
This report provides basic statistical info on youth suicide and an overview on the topics of suicide risk assessment, prevention, and aftermath assistance. Lists key references and major websites.
Injury mortality among American Indian and Alaska Native children and youth – United States, 1989-1998.
Published as: Morbidity and mortality weekly report / Centers for Disease Control. August 1, 2003/ 52(30);697-701. Injuries account for 75% of all deaths among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and youth (1), and AI/ANs have an overall injury-related death rate that is twice the U.S. rate for all racial/ethnic populations (2). However, rate disparities vary by area and by cause. To help focus prevention efforts, CDC analyzed injury mortality data by Indian Health Service (IHS) administrative area and by race/ethnicity. This report summarizes the results of these analyses.
Collaboration math: Enhancing the effectiveness of multidisciplinary collaboration
Collaboration Math describes the application of this Prevention Institute tool at the University of California Berkeley’s Traffic Safety Center, illustrating how multidisciplinary groups can use this tool to increase effective collaboration.