Delaware State News

DOVER — Fifty-four Delaware youths have committed suicide since 2001, a 35-percent increase since 1990. Based on those figures, the Delaware Mental Health Association says mental illness has become a major public health concern, with one in five Americans experiencing depression or anxiety disorders every year. That means more than 100,000 Delawareans, including children, are affected annually.

The Delaware Suicide Prevention Coalition, in cooperation with the Office of Prevention and Early Intervention, was awarded the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The grant will provide nearly $1.5 million over the next three years to fund a statewide suicide prevention programs for young people.

"We’re so thrilled that the money is coming to Delaware," said Jim Laferty, executive director of the Mental Health Association.

In past years, Delaware has had only crisis intervention programs, and not prevention programs, in place.

The money will fund Project LIFE (Living Is For Everyone), a statewide suicide prevention initiative that targets 10- to 24-year-olds. The goal of the program is to reduce the impact of suicide and suicidal tendencies on others, said Dana Sawyer, OPEI administrator.

With suicide as the third-leading cause of death among Delawareans ages 10 to 24, "Project Life will allow us to really focus on prevention," Mr. Laferty said

The project will start on the community level, teaching the signs and symptoms of suicidal behavior. It will continue at the college level, funding a counseling center at the University of Delaware.

Social marketing campaigns will be launched utilizing billboards, bus signs and public service announcements. Licensed psychologists will donate time to train high school students to peer-counsel one another.

Money will also help fund ContactLifeLine, an around-the-clock hotline and Web site that provides experienced staff for counseling and access to many resources and educational tools, Ms. Sawyer said.

The project will include a fund for social workers who will accompany police officers to work with families during traumatic events such as suicide or suicide attempts.