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ss=headline> US plan to combat suicides
MAY 3, 2001

Surgeon General David Satcher joined a group of public and private organizations on Wednesday in releasing the first national strategy aimed at combating suicides, the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.

About 30,000 people commit suicides a year, while more than 650,000 attempt suicide. Satcher said the problem is so widespread that not one American hasn't been "touched by the tragedy of suicide."

For Indian Country, the problem has been an important issue. American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents and young adults have the highest suicide rate among Americans ages 15-24.

Native American males, in particular, accounted for 64% of all suicides in Indian Country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The incidence rate of suicide among Native males in the 15-24 age group is 37.5 per 100,000.

Overall, the suicide rate in America is 11.7 per 100,000.

During the past few decades, Surgeon General spokesperson Damon Thompson said there have been some "disturbing trends" in suicide rates. Since 1952, Thompson said the suicide rate among all adolescents has nearly tripled.

From 1979-1992, suicide rates for American Indians and Alaska Natives were about 1.5 times the national rate, a figure Thompson said was "consistently high" for Indian Country. He added that suicides among students at Indian boarding schools are becoming of increased concern.

The plan released yesterday is a general strategy plan. It contains a number of goals for tribes, states, health organizations, and others to follow in an attempt to combat suicides and address mental health issues.

Suicide awareness, substance abuse prevention, mental health training, and improved treatment are among the major goals. The creation of a centralized, national system that reports suicides is also urged.

Reducing the stigma associated with suicide is of particular importance, said Satcher. "The stigma related to suicide is closely related to the stigma related to mental health problems," he said. "We have made some progress in this area, but we must continue the effort."

Thompson said the Surgeon General and the coalition hope to have population-specific plans, including one for Native Americans, released later this year. Besides young Native Americans, other at-risk groups include elders 65 and older and young African-American males.

Get the Suicide Stategy:
National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: Goals and Objectives for Action (National Strategy for Suicide Prevention May 2001)

Relevant Links:
Surgeon General - http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/sgoffice.htm
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - http://www.samhsa.gov/
Healing of Nations - http://www.indian-suicide.org