OUR VISION:

Zero suicides for Ohio youth 12 to 18 years of age

OUR MISSION:

OCHA hospitals working together to reduce Youth Suicide for children, 12 to 18 years of age in the state of Ohio

Why Suicide Prevention?

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for children age 10-14; second leading cause ages 14-24.
• Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and nearly 1 in 10 have made an attempt to take their lives (NAMI).
• The past decade has seen a disturbing increase in suicide attempts in youth, particularly ages 10 to 12.
  • Over a 20-year (2000-2020) period, researchers observed an increase in suicidal overdoses beginning around 2012.
  • The most significant increase was among children in the 10- to 12-year-old group, which increased from 1,058 in 2010 to 5,606 in 2020 — a fivefold increase.

Some groups have higher suicide rates than others:

• Race/ethnicity
  • Highest rates are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White populations
  • Highest rates of increase: Black youth.

• • • Black youth under 13 are twice as likely than White counterparts
• Rural areas: Gallia, Paulding and Jackson counties
• Sexual and gender minority youth

Keys to Reducing Pediatric Suicide in Ohio

• Resiliency and Social Emotional Development
• Relevant Data Monitoring and Transparency
• Access to Effective Treatments
• Best Practice Suicide Care
• Informed and Engaged Providers

WATCH: 

Ohio Youth Suicide Prevention Collaborative: From the front lines of the youth suicide crisis

*For best viewing experience, begin recording at 5-minute mark. Use passcode wu7cF!ja to view.