Youth Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 17 in Colorado.  In El Paso County, which includes the City of Colorado Springs, deaths by suicide among youth under the age of 18 increased in recent years, from seven deaths in 2014 to 15 in 2016 and 13 in 2017. 

Taking Community Action: Youth Suicide Prevention Workgroup

El Paso County Public Health convenes a work group of nearly 90 community partners to take collective action in support of youth mental health and suicide prevention. 

Workgroup Objectives:

  • Identify community needs and assets
  • Improve community networking and partnerships
  • Develop an action plan for comprehensive, community-driven strategies to prevent youth suicide

Teen Suicide Prevention Program Brief

The Youth Suicide Prevention Workgroup Journey 

Get Involved

Suicide prevention is everyone's business and everyone is welcome at the table. 

  • No experience is necessary
  • Members are asked to attend meetings, share your ideas, and take action in an area that meets your interest
  • Members will benefit from free training and workshops, networking, and alignment with other community resources 

For more information on the Youth Suicide Prevention Workgroup or to get involved, please contact:

Kelsey Leva
Youth Health and Development Planner
El Paso County Public Health
719.578.3218
[email protected]

Meghan Haynes
Teen Suicide Prevention Planner
El Paso County Public Health
719.578.3130
[email protected]

Suicide Prevention is Everyone's Business

No single intervention or prevention program can prevent all suicides. Suicide is most effectively prevented by a comprehensive approach through implementation of programs across all ages and settings. Suicide prevention is everyone's business.

What are the warning signs of suicide?

If you are concerned about someone, ask yourself the following questions. Have they shown or shared any of the following:

  1. Talking about wanting to die, be dead, or about suicide, or are they cutting or burning themselves?
  2. Feeling like things may never get better, seeming like they are in terrible emotional pain (like something is wrong deep inside but they can't make it go away), or they are struggling to deal with a big loss in their life?
  3. Or is your gut telling you to be worried because they have withdrawn from everyone and everything, have become more anxious or on edge, seem unusually angry, or just don't seem normal to you?

How can you respond?

If you notice any of these warning signs in anyone, you can help!

  • Ask if they are okay or if they are having thoughts about suicide
  • Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior
  • Listen closely and do not judge
  • Reflect what they share and let them know they have been heard
  • Tell them they are not alone
  • Let them know there are resources available that can help
  • If you or they are concerned, guide them to additional professional help 

 

Learn More

Getting help:

For someone with an immediate life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1 for assistance.

Crisis Services
Colorado Crisis Services Hotline: Get connected to a crisis counselor or trained professional 24//7 who will assess risk and determine if a mobile response is necessary.

  • Call 1-844-493-8255, or text "TALK" to 38255

Crisis Stabilization Units 
There is a crisis stabilization unit in Colorado Springs where individuals may receive immediate help at no charge 24/7.

  • 115 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80909-6071

Related Information

Educational Resources