Increased suicide rate hits close to home
Sept. 18, 2007
For the first time in 17 years, the suicide rates for individuals between the ages of 10 and 24 are on the rise.
According to a report released this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate for 10 to 24 year olds rose to more than 4,500.
According to a news release by the MU News Bureau, the rate of suicide in the state of Missouri is higher than the national average. According to the Missouri Department of Mental Health, 15 percent of Missouri students reported that they had seriously thought about attempting suicide.
"Mental health is real and suicide is very preventable," MU spokeswoman Jennifer Faddis said.
Central Methodist University, located in Fayette, Mo., witnessed the affects of suicide firsthand when sophomore Justin Valle committed suicide on Sept. 9. A Central Methodist University residence hall assistant found Valle hanging by a belt from his door.
"CMU clinical counselors, campus minister and administrators are meeting with students to assist them in coping with the death of their fellow student," Kenneth Oliver, Central Methodist University vice president for campus life, stated in a news release.
In the past five years at MU, there have been two on-campus suicides and seven suicide attempts. MU police Capt. Scott Richardson said although these incidents occurred on the MU campus, they did not necessarily involve MU students.
Richardson said that, when dealing with a suicide attempt, MU police ensure that the person is transported to the hospital and given appropriate counseling.
Other departments on the MU campus also have policies that ensure the concern is primarily for the well being of a student.
"Our first concern is always for the student," Residential Life Director Frankie Minor said. "We also focus on the roommate, community and friends of that student, as it will have an impact on them."
Minor said if a suicide attempt or completed suicide occurs, mental health professionals at the MU Counseling Center offer their services to friends and family, as well as community members.
Because the rate of suicide in Missouri is so high, the Wellness Resource Center increased programming during a national Suicide Prevention Week, from Sept. 10 to 14.
The Wellness Resource Center sponsored screenings of "A Beautiful Mind" on MUTV during the week. Additionally, the group sponsored an informational table in Brady Commons on Sept. 13, said Marian Trattner, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Wellness Resource Center.
The table in Brady Commons gave students the opportunity to learn more about counseling services available on the MU campus, as well as information about how to help a friend expressing suicidal thoughts or making suicidal gestures.
Trattner said the Wellness Resource Center will also have a two-day workshop for students who want to learn suicide prevention techniques on Sept. 27 and 28. The techniques are called ASIST, which stands for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
Additional training on campus is provided for student staff members, including community advisers and peer advisers. This training includes "how to recognize warning signs and make appropriate referrals to health care professionals," Minor said.
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