Suicide and suicidal behavior among youth and young adults is a major public health crisis. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people 10-24 years of age in the United States (US), and rates have been rising for decades.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), in collaboration with experts from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), created this Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention as an educational resource to support pediatric health clinicians and other health professionals in identifying strategies and key partnerships to support youth at risk for suicide.
Youth Suicide Prevention: A Call to Action
Suicide is complex but often preventable. Pediatric health clinicians, adults working with youth in school and community settings, families, and peers can play a critical role in identifying and supporting youth at risk for suicide.
Youth and young adults should grow, thrive, and live long, healthy lives. However, among youth in the US who die, over 25% die from suicide. In 2021, AAP partnered with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists and Children’s Hospital Association to declare a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. This sobering reality is a call to action: pediatric health clinicians and other adults who work with youth can make a difference. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for national leadership and partnerships to advance youth suicide prevention.
This Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention is designed to support pediatric health clinicians in advancing equitable youth suicide prevention strategies in all settings where youth live, learn, work, and spend time.
For advocacy and policy strategies to address youth suicide prevention, click here.
AAP and AFSP offer special recognition to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for their contributions to this resource.
The Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention has been endorsed by the following partners:
The following organizations have indicated their support for the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention:
