The Youth Suicide Prevention Project is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to help reduce the rate of suicide among young people ages 10 to 24.  The project is designed to support communities disproportionately affected by suicide and nonfatal self-inflicted injury in developing more effective prevention, early intervention and response systems.

The project targets at-risk populations, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) youth, runaway and homeless youth and veterans.  It conducts training and education events for people who come in contact with at-risk youth, including those who work at schools and colleges, emergency personnel, clinicians, faith leaders, parents and caretakers.  Training programs are designed to increase awareness about risk factors, protective factors, warning signs and how to refer someone for help.  The project promotes systems of care, increased access to mental health services for at-risk youth and best practices policies and procedures.  It also works to support resiliency in LGBT youth, help survivors access support and help improve transitional outcome for veterans.

The services of the Youth Suicide Prevention Project are available at no charge.  For more information, contact Bear McHugh at bmchugh@berkshireahec.org or 413-447-2417.