Suicide Facts:
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, especially for young people ages 15-24. Although multiple factors contribute to suicide, at least 90 percent of all people who kill themselves have a mental disorder, a substance abuse disorder, or a combination of disorders. Oklahoma ’s death rate for suicide exceeds that of the U.S. Click here to learn more about suicide prevention efforts in Oklahoma and link to educational resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide
Suicide Risk and Protective Factors
Warning Signs of Suicide
State Plan on Youth Suicide Prevention:
The Oklahoma State Plan on Youth Suicide Prevention was developed at the request of the Oklahoma Legislature. House Joint Resolution No. 1018, passed in 1999, created the Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force with the assignment of submitting recommendations to the Legislature on the prevention of youth suicide. This task force involved physicians, educators, survivors, mental health professionals, clergy, legislators and representatives from state agencies including Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Education, and Juvenile Affairs.
House Joint Resolution 1018
State Plan on Youth Suicide Prevention
The Oklahoma Strategy for Suicide Prevention click here for pdf version.
Youth Suicide Prevention Council:
In 2001, the Oklahoma Legislature passed the Youth Suicide Prevention Act (House Bill 1241), which established the Youth Suicide Prevention Council and designated the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the lead agency for youth suicide prevention.The Youth Suicide Prevention Council members are legislatively appointed, and meetings are open to the public. The Council meets:
The Last Thursday of Every Month
Youth Services for Oklahoma County
201 NE 50th St., Oklahoma City
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
House Bill 1241: Youth Suicide Prevention Act
Information for Communities
Area Prevention Resource Center Network Map and Contact Information: download here
Find your local Area Prevention Resource Center
Alcohol and Drug Counselors
Clergy
Co-Workers
Employers
First Responders
Law Enforcement
Nurses
Physicians
Teachers
Social Workers/Counselors
Information for Youth
Teens
College Students
Information for Parents
To be posted soon
Suicide Prevention Referral Network
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Reachout Hotline: 1-800-522-9054
Media
In a perfect world, the media’s role of reporting the truth and its job of serving the public good would not conflict. In the real world, however, these two roles can clash—and one of the areas in which this clash occurs is the media’s reporting on suicide. The suicide of an “ordinary” person can become news in his or her own community, and the suicide of a prominent person or celebrity can become national, and even international, news.
Unfortunately, the very service of reporting a suicide can encourage some people to attempt suicide themselves. While these suicides are not caused by media attention itself, there is a danger that people who are depressed or who perceive their personal problems as insurmountable may find in these reports a model of resolving their problems.
Fortunately, reporting on suicide can be accomplished in ways that serve both the truth and the public health. There are steps the media can take to minimize the possibility that its coverage of suicide will contribute to additional suicides. There are also steps the media can take to proactively contribute to preventing suicide. (Suicide Prevention Resource Center—SPRC)
The Role of Media in Preventing Suicide
Additional Links Concerning Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Suicide Prevention Action Network USA
American Association of Suicidology
Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Rural Primary Care
After a Suicide: A Tool Kit for Schools
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
1200 NE 13th Street
PO Box 53277
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3277
405-522-3908 405-522-3851 TDD 405-522-3650 Fax
Toll-Free, 24 Hours 1-800-522-9054
Notice of Privacy Practices
