SD16 - A Study of Suicide in the Commonwealth


Executive Summary:
A. Purpose

Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 382 required the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) with the assistance of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services (DMHMRSAS) to study the issue of suicide in the Commonwealth and prepare a report with recommendations for the Governor and the General Assembly.

B. Process and Methodology

A core-working group was developed to conduct this study with representation from VDH and DMHMRSAS. Activities coordinated by this working group included analyses of data and literature on suicide, surveys of local mental health service personnel on existing suicide prevention programs and activities and focus groups with survivors of suicide (either lost a spouse or other family member). In addition, a meeting was held to elicit recommendations from survivors and professionals who are working in the field of suicide prevention in Virginia.

C. Summary of Findings

Many fail to realize that more Virginians die from suicide than from homicide. On average, 2 Virginians die from suicide every day. In 1997, suicide was the 9th leading cause of death in the Commonwealth and the third leading cause of death for young people. Furthermore, the suicide rate for children and adolescents in Virginia ages 10 to 19 has increased 32% since 1975. Also disturbing are the findings of a study of child and adolescent hospitalizations commissioned by VDH in 1998. Depression, which is a significant risk factor for suicide, was the leading cause of hospitalization for 10 to 14 year old children and the second leading cause of hospitalization for adolescents ages 15-19.

During the course of this study, various groups and organizations were identified that are working to prevent suicide in different localities in Virginia. There is, however, limited coordination and collaboration among these programs. These programs implement various grass roots approaches to suicide prevention with minimal resources. It is also apparent that there is limited interagency collaboration and statewide coordination of activities in this important public health area.

D. Recommendations

To adequately address the issue of suicide, the following recommendations are made.

1. Appropriation of funding to VDH and DMHMRSAS to conduct comprehensive suicide prevention and intervention activities.

2. VDH to develop a statewide strategic plan working in conjunction with the Coordinating Council on Prevention.

3. VDH to coordinate suicide prevention activities, including research and data collection on suicide and depression, professional and public information efforts and training. Training will be provided for parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, clergy, police, and others who work with youth to enhance identification and referral of children and adolescents at risk for suicide and depression. These activities will be coordinated in conjunction with survivors, DMHMRSAS, Department of Education, local crisis centers, the PTA, and other community stakeholders.

4. VDH to convene an annual conference on suicide and depression prevention and intervention to provide a forum for national, state, and local level practitioners to interact and discuss recent research and new strategies and programs that are effective in preventing suicide in conjunction with the Coordinating Council on Prevention and other stakeholders.

5. VDH to develop and implement an annual public awareness campaign in collaboration with DMHMRSAS on suicide prevention and intervention. This campaign will share the facts about suicide, depression and other risk factors, warning signals, referral and prevention strategies.

6. VDH to provide resources, information and grants to support school and community-based programs that are designed to foster peer relationships, anger management, self-efficacy, problem-solving and other relevant coping and social skills among children and adolescents.

7. DMHMRSAS to coordinate efforts to improve the ability of primary care providers to recognize and treat depression, substance abuse and other mental illnesses associated with suicide risk.

8. DMHMRSAS to support community-based crisis intervention services and survivor support groups and develop and implement strategies to reduce the barriers associated with seeking help.

9. DMHMRSAS to develop and coordinate statewide suicide crisis intervention, including the expansion of hotline services, and improve related interagency communication and collaboration.

10. DMHMRSAS to disseminate successful strategies for suicide intervention programming

11. DMHMRSAS to implement systems for effective follow up of people discharged from psychiatric facilities and/or after previous suicide attempts.

12. DMHMRSAS to facilitate availability of care and support programs for family/friends of people who commit suicide or attempt suicide.