Youth Suicide Prevention
In Howard County, from 2014-2016, suicide was the number one cause of death for teens age 15-19. The Health Department developed an evidence-based Youth Suicide Prevention Plan to address the many components of the issue.
If you, or someone you know is in crisis, contact:
◾Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center 24/7 at 410-531-6677 or
◾text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
For more detailed information and to learn suicide warning signs and get tips about how to start a conversation visit teenhealthmatters.org
Phase Two: Sources of Strength
The second phase of the Youth Suicide Prevention Program began in November 2019 with the implementation of the Sources of Strength Program. Sources of Strength is a best-practice youth suicide prevention project. Student peer leaders and adult advisors design and share Hope, Help and Strength-based messages with youth in the community to prevent suicide, bullying and substance use.
How does Sources of Strength work?
- Creates an interactive peer leadership program that influences positive social change
- Empowers students to create networks of connection and resiliency
- Increases help-seeking behaviors
- Promotes positive connections between peer leaders and adults
Follow the HCHD Sources of Stregth Program on Facebook and Instagram. See the program in action in Howard County here.
The first Sources of Strength class graduated in June 2020. Over the course of the first year, 44 students representing 12 Howard County high schools participated in one or more meeting. These monthly meetings (virtual starting in April) included strength-building activities that focused on reducing stigma, developing empathy, reaching out to others, and sharing stories of strength and hope. Congratulations to the first class of graduates and thanks to all the adult volunteers who participated.
Prevention Program Information and Materials
Community-based Training, Presentations, Materials and Information:
◾Visit https://bit.ly/2H6cYJW
Materials:
◾Howard County infographic
◾It's OK to Ask. rack card
For questions or more detailed information about any of the Youth Suicide Prevention programs, contact Colleen Nester at cnester@howardcountymd.gov or at 410-313-0613
*** FOR MEDIA*** Suicide Reporting Recommendations
Mind Your Meds
Many who report abuse of prescription medicine are getting it from friends, family and acquaintances. Make sure the those in your life don’t have access to your medicine. Follow the following three steps:
STEP 1: MONITOR
Parents are in an influential position to immediately help reduce access to prescription medicine because medicine is commonly found in the home. But how aware are you of the quantities that are currently in your home? Think about this: Would you know if some of your pills were missing? From this day forward, make sure you can honestly answer yes.
STEP 2: SECURE
Take prescription medicine out of the medicine cabinet and secure them in a place only you know about. If possible, keep all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet that cannot be accessed. Spread the word to other households and encourage them to secure their prescriptions as well.
STEP 3: DISPOSE
Safely disposing of expired or unused medicine is a critical step in helping to protect your family and home, and decrease the opportunity for anyone to abuse your medicine.
Safe Storage and Disposal of Prescription Medicines
Click on the graphic above or on this sentence to get the full size document
Reversing an Opioid Overdose - What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a prescription medication that reverses an opioid overdose by restoring breathing. Naloxone is safe, even for children and pregnant women, and has minimal side effects (nausea and vomiting). There is no potential for abuse or getting high. Obtain free naloxone medication when you attend a training at the health department and learn to save a life.
For additional information about Naloxone visit the State of Maryland Overdose Response Program page.
Responding to an Opioid Overdose Click above for more about Maryland's Good Samaritan Law
Next Naloxone
NEXT Naloxone is an online opioid overdose responder training site that includes mail-based naloxone distribution at no cost to people most likely to be first responders in a opioid overdose incident. Visit their website by clicking HERE.
'