- Published: January 20, 2022
- Updated: January 20, 2022
- University / College: Western University
- Level: Intermediate School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 8
SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS Suicide prevention programs As of today, the United s is battling with not just the usual problems that range from finances to economy but also suicidal cases. Of late, suicide cases have heightened to an extent that the government and other non governmental organizations have raised their concern following the increment (Joint Commission Resources, Inc. 2007). Studies show that the number of suicides, both attempted and committed, is high among the college going students (Diekstra & World Health Organization, 2005). Experts and other researchers have come to link this growth to a number of factors. In order to reduce suicide and its related cases, many voluntary organizations, in addition to the US government, have come along and established certain programs aimed at reducing and thereafter terminate suicide among this generation (Anderson, 2007). Since the aim of this paper is to know better about the initiatives set in place by these agencies, it will identify some of the prevention programs in my area.
Yellow Ribbon program
One of the programs established by voluntary organizations aimed at preventing suicide cases is the Yellow Ribbon which deals with all ages but centers mostly with young adults. According to its “ best practice registry”, Yellow Ribbon serves over 150 teens every month (Anderson, 2007). At the Yellow Ribbon, people get services which include but not limited to education regarding the necessary measures that a person should take in case a suicide related incident occurs. Additionally, the organization creates awareness on dangers of suicide and goes ahead to collaborate with other organizations with the aim of creating a much bigger network whose purpose and vision is similar (Diekstra & World Health Organization, 2005). It offers other services such as community development, supports survivors of suicide attempts, and school staff who help in training others as suicide prevention gatekeepers. The gaps that may exist between the trainees’ places of residence in the provision of services for teens vary from one factor to another (Joint Commission Resources, Inc. 2007). Under this spectrum, one student’s community may differ from the others’ in terms of training program centers. This means that some students may be from communities where there are no suicide prevention program centers hence creating a gap.
Air Force Suicide Prevention Program
A 2007 survey pointed out that suicidal cases among the US Air Force personnel were on the rise and needed serious address from both the government and any other potential organization (Anderson, 2007). Following this calling, the Air Force created an initiative that facilitated training and created awareness among its personnel. In its bid to make the program work, it resolved to engage in offering services such as reducing the rates of suicide among the agency’s personnel by educating them on dangers of suicide. The program is also responsible for offering services like inspiring and empowering its personnel through public speaking and presentation (Joint Commission Resources, Inc. 2007).
In conclusion, the Air Force prevention program also involves itself with state and local planning consultation where it takes charge in coalition building. In its usual months, the program serves about 220 personnel. At times, it goes ahead to offer counseling services to the family members of its personnel. This is the reason this program serves many teens since it caters for several arenas (Joint Commission Resources, Inc. 2007). The gap that exists between the students’ committees is that which occurs due to lack of a person from the student’s family who works in the Air Force (Anderson, 2007). Such gap is inevitable but the government is working on bridging it as time goes by.
References
Anderson, K. (2007). School-based Suicide Prevention: Role, Function, and Level of Involvement of School Psychologists. London: ProQuest.
Diekstra, R. & World Health Organization, (2005). Preventive strategies on suicide. Leiden: E. J. Brill.
Joint Commission Resources, Inc. (2007). Suicide prevention: Toolkit for implementing national patient safety goal 15A. Oakbrook Terrace, Ill: Joint Commission Resources.