College: Scope of the Problem

The first step in strategic planning is to understand the scope of the suicide problem in your college or university. Examining current research and available data on campus suicide, mental health and substance abuse, and related consequences is often a good starting point. This information will help you implement strategies that address the known risk and protective factors for suicide among students most at risk.

For data on suicide thoughts, attempts, and deaths among college and university students, see our information sheet, Suicide among College and University Students in the United States. This resource also provides information on risk and protective factors.

To learn more about how to find and data to inform strategic planning, see our webpage on Finding and Using Data.