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Resources

Improving Detection & Promoting Awareness

A number of youth suicide prevention efforts are dedicated to increasing recognition of youth at potential risk for self-harm and suicide. Most of these efforts are educational in nature and they are aimed at increasing the awareness of warning signs and risk factors for suicide among those who live, work and play in close proximity to youth – often referred to as gatekeepers. The most common audiences for these educational and training efforts include: youth/peers, parents, school staff, family physicians, emergency room staff and other community gatekeepers like youth workers, police, probation officers, recreation leaders and youth volunteers.

A number of effective and promising suicide prevention programs have already been identified by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). Their registry of evidence-based practices in suicide prevention as well as relevant fact sheets describes the specific programs.