The Department of Justice has allocated nearly $975,000 to Pacific County organizations for a youth suicide prevention initiative. The funding is provided through the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
"Tragically, Pacific County has the tenth highest suicide rate in the state," stated U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. "Those working with youth in Pacific County have crafted this project to try to combat youth suicide and build community resilience. The Department of Justice supports these efforts with the hope that other communities can learn from these programs."
Pacific County Public Health & Human Services (PCHHS), alongside WestEd’s Justice and Prevention Research Center (JPRC), will focus on reducing suicidal thoughts and attempts among students from 8th to 12th grade in Pacific County. The project plans to offer suicide awareness and prevention training within schools, develop a trauma response protocol, evaluate existing suicide prevention strategies, and introduce sustainable activities aimed at building community resilience.
Award recipients will employ evidence-based programs designed to equip individuals with skills necessary for identifying and responding effectively to mental health challenges and suicidal ideation. By educating young people on suicide prevention strategies, the initiative seeks to foster a safer environment for Pacific County's youth over the long term.