New Hampshire's Suicide Prevention Grant
In The Catcher and the Rye, Holden Caulfield pictures children playing in a rye field beside a cliff, with his job being to catch anyone who strays too near the edge. New Hampshire's Garrett Lee Smith grant serves a comparable purpose for young people at risk across the state.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for New Hampshire citizens between ages 10 and 24.
In October 2013, New Hampshire received a three-year suicide prevention grant from the federal agency SAMHSA to concentrate on these young people. NAMI NH coordinates and carries out the state grant.
It may be helping someone you know…
Several groups face elevated risk for suicide attempts: returning military personnel; youth who are gay, lesbian, transgender, or questioning their sexual or gender identity; refugees; young people dealing with mental illness or substance issues; those involved with the legal system; and unemployed young adults.
The Garrett Lee Smith grant aims to bolster services and supports for youth and young adults facing behavioral health challenges. It also reinforces post-intervention efforts that help communities, schools, organizations, and families heal after a suicide and lower the risk of additional suicides.
This grant may have already saved a life…
During the grant project's first few months, a regional public health network hosted a suicide prevention workshop for its members. At the training, a teacher came to recognize that a student she had been concerned about was showing warning signs of suicide.
“She was a good student who was suddenly declining in her school work and attendance. Prompted by the training, we talked with her and learned that she was in fact suicidal,” the teacher said. “We mobilized supports and counseling for this student. Prior to the suicide prevention training, we never would have explored this or generated the kind of resources needed. Without this response, she might have dropped out of school and might have attempted suicide. She is getting help now, using the supports and treatment, and is back on track academically and doing much better.”
Weaving a network of prevention…
NAMI New Hampshire works alongside statewide entities and organizations including the NH Suicide Prevention Council, the Youth Suicide Prevention Assembly, the statewide Survivor of Suicide Loss Network, peer and family support networks, HeadRest, NH Hospital, and regional public health networks.
The effort also joins forces with other projects, such as Plymouth State University's campus suicide prevention grant and the Systems of Care FAST FORWARD initiative.
Youth suicide must be prevented in New Hampshire. With the collective effort led by NAMI New Hampshire, we can keep building knowledge, resources, and infrastructure.
Contact Information
For more information about the Garrett Lee Smith grant and/or NAMI NH’s role in suicide prevention, please contact Elaine de Mello.
Annual reports and details on state suicide prevention efforts are available on our website.