New national suicide-prevention strategy announced

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention has released an ambitious national strategy to reduce the number of deaths by suicide. The strategy was requested by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and former Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates when they launched the Action Alliance in 2010.

The 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention details 13 goals and 60 objectives for reducing suicides over the next 10 years. It can be downloaded here.

Writes Thomas Insel, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in a blog post:

Key is understanding how and where people at risk for suicide seek care. Surveillance data will help focus efforts for providing effective emergency and follow up care. A task force of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is developing a more detailed research agenda based on consultation with stakeholders, a literature review, and analysis of current research. This agenda, anticipated in early 2013, pledges to provide a roadmap for reducing suicide by 20 percent in 5 years, 40 percent or more in 10 years.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 for free, confidential help (1-800-273-8255).

• View or order printed copies of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and other materials.
• Learn more about suicide prevention.