Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Seattle – The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has awarded almost $975,000 to Pacific County organizations to execute a comprehensive youth suicide prevention project.
“Tragically, Pacific County has the tenth highest suicide rate in the state,” said U.S. Attorney, Tessa M. Gorman. “Those working with youth in Pacific County have crafted this project to try to combat youth suicide and build community resilience. The Department of Justice supports these efforts with the hope that other communities can learn from these programs.”
Pacific County Public Health & Human Services (PCHHS), in collaboration with WestEd’s Justice and Prevention Research Center (JPRC), aim to specifically address the high rates of suicidal ideation and attempt among 8th – 12th graders in Pacific County. This project will deliver suicide awareness and prevention training in academic settings, establish a trauma response protocol, conduct comprehensive evaluation of current suicide prevention policies and procedures, and ultimately implement sustainable resilience-building activities in the community.
The recipients of the award will utilize a series of evidence-based programs to equip individuals with the necessary skills to identify and effectively respond to signs of mental health struggle and suicidal ideation. By providing a comprehensive education of suicide prevention strategies for young people, this project intends to create a safer and more supportive environment long-term for the youth of Pacific County.