Suicide Prevention

"Our mission is to help transform the way people communicate and connect about mental health."

Suicide is a leading cause of death in teens in the US.

Decades-long systemic shortcomings have left suicide among children ages 5 to 11 poorly tracked and addressed. Now, as rates appear to be rising, advocates are strengthening efforts to screen for problems and prevent deaths in younger children.

“No one ever forgets 911. No one ever forgets 411. And now, no one will ever forget 988,” says one mental heath expert.

In the year since the 10-digit line changed to 988, one South Florida nonprofit has seen a 50% increase in calls. Lack of affordable housing and the pandemic are among the drivers.

It's clear the suicide hotline, a network of more than 200 state and local call centers, faces challenges, including public mistrust and confusion. It’s also clear it needs federal and state funding to be sustainable.

Her son was diagnosed with PTSD while he was in the Air Force, and after his deployment he showed suicidal signs that she didn't recognize. Now, she is turning the tragedy into help for others.

Some advocates are also concerned that 988 could incidentally increase the Baker Acting of children with autism and developmental disabilities.

SOF Missions provides free health care options for post-combat veterans seeking trauma care, with an overall mission to combat the veteran suicide crisis.

Members of the state's Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council say the pandemic will likely increase how many people will die this year. The group is drafting recommendations to help people in crisis.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in any given month about 4,000 Americans will commit suicide . Young people are...

Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa are taking a break from their normal duties Friday. Instead, they will reflect on mental health.U.S. Air Force…