Confronting the 'Silent Epidemic'

The family did not get over it all. They did not talk about it. Because it took place before I was born, I did not get to know my uncle. If it had not happen, perhaps I would have had more cousins. I am sure it was always something that was often on my dad's mind, but he was among those who did not talk about it.

The event was a tragic and a sad event for the family.

Dad's brother, Len, committed suicide when he was only 17 years old and a junior in high school. Once in a while, Dad mentioned some things about what he and his brother had done, but it was only a few times. Mom's family were neighbors, and she said more about him than Dad ever did. There are a limited number of pictures of him. I am not sure if I have seen any -- at least it has been a long time. I need to do some searching to see if I can find any.

Times were hard back in the '20s for the family. They all worked hard.

Sunday night, I talked with an aunt who will celebrate her 90th birthday on Easter. Aunt Pearl was only 12 years old when her brother five years older then she, committed suicide. She related that she can remember him. I had heard bits and pieces and had been told that he was a good looking boy. She confirmed that and said he was a jolly person and good nature. He was blond-haired and had a wonderful complexion.

Having worked with youth throughout my career, I remain interested in youth and their cultured. There was a youth specialist in southeast Missouri who was working with a suicide hot line, approximately 20 years ago. I have no idea if it is still in operation.

Realizing that there are a large number of teen suicides, it was of special interest to hear the announcement by Heartland Behavior Health Services that they were teaming up with The Jason Foundation, a suicide prevention program. That is great that they have become involved, and a logical for the facility, considering their resources and the programs directed at youth.

Heartland will be the center for the program in Kansas and Missouri -- what a great undertaking. Mike Hamm, CEO, is an enthusiastic person, and when he gives leadership to a program; it is bound to be successful.

This week, I visited with Mike, Rob Sewell, director of business development, and Julie Davis, director of admission, all from Heartland, to gain information about the Jason Foundation and the efforts in suicide prevention.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 15-24. More than 100 young people are lost each week in our nation to suicide. Last week it was announced on the news over the radio that it is the second leading cause of death for college-aged youth.

Julie said that in the United States two teens attempt suicide every minute, for a total of 19,000 attempts each week -- one million in 2000, among the 12-17-year-old population.

Sewell said that once a youth gets help for a possible suicide, the need is continuous. If they go back to the need, they are in worse shape. He said that everything is serious. There is a higher rate of suicides among the top achievers -- "A" students. These students often put more pressure on themselves, feeling that they cannot meet their expectations.

The number one cause of deaths among youth is accidents. Many of these might be suicides, no one knows. It is not considered a suicide unless a note is left.

Both Sewell and Ham related that with the large number of suicides per day and per week, if it was a disease causing this number of deaths, there would be a great effort to prevent the deaths and much information circulated.

Mike said that suicides are a silent epidemic -- no one wants to talk about it. Dad's family is an example of not talking about it.

The CEO said that it is the most preventable thing that kills. He showed a triangle with kids at the top point and the other points were parents and educators, youth care workers. The purpose of the program is to protect kids in Nevada, Vernon County, Missouri and Kansas. He hopes it will become part of the curriculum in schools.

He urged the Jason Foundation to come to this community selling them on this community being a great place. He said that they were highly impressed with this community and had great support from the entire community. With the high rate of suicides in colleges, Cottey is especially interested in the program. They will be taking the lead working with the college aged.

The Jason Foundation held a community meeting recently and plan to come back May 8 and 9 to present a second program in the community. This will be a good event for everyone interested in youth to attend -- teachers, clergy, youth workers, parents and grandparents.

Clark Flatt is the president and CEO of the foundation which he began as result of his youngest son, Jason, committing suicide at 16 years of age. The mission is to stop this "Silent Epidemic." The fatality rates have tripled since 1980.

The affiliates with this program includes: Psychiatric Solutions, Inc., American Football Coaches Association, USA wrestling, Wal-Mart and The American Taekwondo Association.

Signs of concern include: abrupt changes in behavior, mood swings, crying spells, recent grief or losses, changes in school performance, giving away treasured belongings and suicidal threats/ hopelessness.

The C.A.R.L. line is a 24 hour/seven-day telephone resource line for anyone needing information regarding suicidal ideation in youth. It is staffed by trained clinical specialists. It may serve as a crisis intervention program for young people; its main purpose is to provide important information to parents, teacher, and other youth workers in order to identify and assist youth who are possibly experiencing suicidal ideation. The line may also be used to schedule seminars and request materials.

The number for the Community Assistance Resource Line (C.A.R.L.) is (877) 778-CARL, (877) 778-2275.

This is a needed program for youth and with the Jason Foundation at Heartland Behavior Health Services, they will be, "Keeping more than Dreams Alive."