Task forces aim to help problem teens at risk for suicide

By Staff Writer

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (NAASP) has identified three high-risk populations for self-harm: American Indians, military service members and teenagers who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LBGT).

In response to the increasing number of suicide attempts in these demographics, the NAASP has created three new task forces to address the problems within these groups. The LBGT Youth Task Force is co-led by Kevin Jennings, the assistant deputy secretary of the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, and Charles Robbins, the executive director of the Trevor Project - the leading national organization focused on suicide prevention among LBGT youth.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center reports that lesbian, gay and bisexual teens are up to 7 percent more likely to report having attempted suicide than their straight peers. Officials with the NAASP are hoping that the new task forces will help reduce the number of suicide attempts among troubled teens.

Earlier this month, the Action Alliance launched its first three task forces, which are Data and Surveillance, Research, and National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Other high-risk groups that the organization may focus on in the future include Latina teenagers and individuals with disabilities.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, a nationwide survey of high school students found that 15 percent of students reported seriously considering suicide.