Updated at 8:19 a.m., Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Pilot project aims to prevent youth suicide
Advertiser Staff
A two-year pilot program at the state Department of Health will look at how to discourage suicide among young people.The early intervention program will attempt to raise public awareness about issues that may lead to suicide and build community networks. It will also encourage training for school, health and law enforcement officials to recognize young people at risk of suicide.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people 10 to 18, behind car crashes, according to the state.
Gov. Linda Lingle signed a bill into law yesterday establishing the program within the department.
"This measure will ultimately assist in the prevention of suicide, not only for our youth but for all in Hawai'i," said state Rep. John Mizuno, D-30th (Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter), vice chair of the House Health Committee.
