About the Stop Youth Suicide (SYS) Campaign

The Stop Youth Suicide Campaign raises awareness and educates the public of  high risk behavior that could lead to suicide. Stop Youth Suicide increases public awareness of youth & teen suicide by:

• Compiling  and distributing informative monthly fliers that describe risk factors and promote awareness to parents, youth, government agencies, schools, health care providers, community based organizations, faith communities,  local businesses, and organizations serving youths.
• Broadcasting interviews on local TV and radio stations with people whose lives have been affected by suicide.
• Presenting an eye-opening design for parents and professionals about youth suicide on local news and other media venues
• Connecting youth, parents, citizens, caregivers and professionals with appropriate support services.

Help Fund The Stop Youth Suicide Campaign, It Works!

• Since the campaign began, October 13, 2000, fourteen adolescent lives have been documented as saved through the Stop Youth Suicide Campaign.
• Emergency Room visits for suicide attempts in two local hospitals alone are down from 200 to 120 per year.
• The total number of completed suicides has declined by 20% over the last five years in Fayette County.  
• The Stop Youth Suicide Web site has received over 900 e-mails, nine of which directly saved their lives. It also provides phone numbers to crisis lines, which have been heavily utilized by teens. 
• The Stop Youth Suicide campaign needs your help!  Please consider volunteering your time and/or making a financial contribution.
  

The Stop Youth Suicide (SYS) campaign consists of a diverse group of physicians, mental health providers, health care administrators, students, volunteers and policy makers who are committed to responding to this pressing issue and exploring ways to reduce the rate of suicide among Kentucky youth. SYS attempts to raise awareness of suicide and to formulate and implement prevention and intervention programs. Informed by the recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Strategic Direction for the Prevention of Suicidal Behavior, SYS recognizes that suicidal behavior is a complex phenomenon with multiple casual pathways. As a result, SYS is dedicated to responding to this problem by employing a multifaceted approach. This approach recognizes the vital importance of building new, as well as augmenting existing connections among individuals at risk and their families, communities, and institutions. Guided by this approach, SYS designs and implements suicide prevention programs that target at-risk individuals, as well as area schools and community organizations. The impact of suicidal behavior on these groups can be devastating. It is anticipated that significant progress in addressing youth suicide will continue to be achieved as the connections among these stakeholders are enhanced and coordinated prevention and intervention efforts are undertaken.

Since the SYS campaign began in October 2000, fourteen adolescent lives have been documented as saved, emergency room visits for suicide attempts in two local hospitals are down from 200 to 120 per year, and the total number of completed suicides has declined by 20% over the last five years in Fayette County.  The SYS Web site also serves as a resource, providing phone numbers to crisis lines, which have been heavily utilized by teens.

The Stop Youth Suicide campaign needs your help. Please consider volunteering your time and/or making a financial contribution. SYS also hosts an annual conference that addresses emerging issues in youth suicide. If you have any questions or comments about the Stop Youth Suicide campaign, the annual conference, volunteer opportunities, or if you would like someone to contact you about counseling services, please e-mail us at Contact [email protected]