Adolescent suicide has increased 58% in the past 10 years, and the impacts have devastated thousands of Ohio families. Healthcare providers are also impacted when patients experience depression or suicidal thoughts, and there is a lack of resources for assisting them. In response to this alarming trend, the Ohio AAP is preparing to launch additional Store It Safe materials to help providers, families, and teens identify risks for suicide, and prevent access to lethal means through barriers. More information on this program will be announced in July.
Before these efforts officially launch, we are asking Ohio AAP members and partners to provide information on current practices relating to adolescent mental health. The Ohio AAP is also gathering personal stories or experiences from members to help expand our understanding of how this crisis is affecting providers, and to spread messages of hope via social media. A brief survey for sharing your practices and/or experience is now available at: http://ohioaap.org/store-it-safe-adolescent-survey/
Please take a few moments to answer this survey today and help us prevent adolescent suicide tomorrow. If you have questions on Store It Safe, please visit http://ohioaap.org/storeitsafe/ or contact Hayley Southworth at hsouthworth@ohioaap.org.