Behavioral Health

THE NEED

Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth ages 11–18. The encouraging reality is that 90% of young people with suicidal ideation demonstrate warning signs, creating opportunities for trusted adults and communities to intervene. By increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting youth to support early, we can help save lives and ensure young people know they are not alone.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Our team responds to the urgent need for teen suicide prevention throughout San Diego County through the REACH – Resilience, Education, Assessment, Connection, Hope Program. Lifeline is working to prevent youth suicide, suicidal ideation, and help foster safe school environments through suicide and bullying prevention education.

PROGRAM SERVICES

Lifeline conducts presentations at school campuses to educate 7th - 12th grade youth and their families about suicide risk factors – providing awareness and the knowledge needed to get help for troubled youth. Additionally, we teach education professionals how to recognize and respond to the warning signs; reduce the social stigma attached to those who seek mental health services; implement bullying prevention efforts; and establish a system of service that identifies vulnerable youth before they attempt suicide.

Our work emphasizes peer support to prevent teen suicide through ACT® which encourages youth to be proactive by: Acknowledging that your friend has a problem, letting them know that you Care, and Telling a trusted adult about your concerns.

WHO WE HELP

Lifeline serves students in middle and high schools throughout San Diego County.

Need help now? If you or someone you know has thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact the San Diego Access and Crisis Line at 888-724-7240. For emergencies call 911 and ask for the PERT team.

OUR IMPACT

Yearly, Lifeline serves nearly 10,000 students of North County middle and high schools through suicide prevention and early intervention presentations.

13.5%
needed an additional safety assessment due to having suicidal ideations, histories of self-harm, thoughts around hurting others, having questions about suicide, or showing vulnerable behavior during the presentation.

100%
of the students who presented at assessment with thoughts of suicide and/or at-risk behaviors, their parents were contacted and the youth and families were connected with services in the community.

YOU CAN HELP

You can help save lives by donating to Lifeline's suicide prevention efforts. Visit REACH – Resilience, Education, Assessment, Connection, Hope to support this program!