Every Life Matters: Uniting for Youth Suicide Prevention in Buncombe County

Yesterday, I had the privilege of facilitating strategic action planning for youth suicide prevention and awareness in Buncombe County, NC. This issue touches all of us—personally, professionally, and as a community.

🚨 The Reality of Suicide:

🔹 Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 in the United States, according to the CDC.

🔹 Youth suicide rates have increased by 62% since 2007, with even sharper increases in certain demographics.

🔹 22% of high school students have seriously considered suicide, and 10% have attempted suicide at least once.

🔹 LGBTQ+ youth are at even greater risk—nearly half have had suicidal thoughts, and they are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers.

🔹 Suicide rates among Black youth have also increased significantly, rising by nearly 40% from 2018 to 2021.

🔹 Access to lethal means, such as firearms, significantly increases the risk of suicide among youth. Research shows that 90% of suicide attempts with a firearm are fatal, making safe storage and prevention strategies critical.

💡 The Power of One Connection

Research shows that just one supportive adult can reduce the risk of suicide by 40%, particularly among marginalized youth. A caring, trusted adult—whether a teacher, coach, mentor, or family member—can provide the connection that saves a life.

🔹 Schools that implement comprehensive mental health programs see a decrease in suicide attempts by 15-20%.

🔹 Access to affirming environments (e.g., LGBTQ+ support groups, culturally competent counseling) can cut suicide risk in half for LGBTQ+ youth.

🔹 Peer support programs and youth-led initiatives have been shown to increase mental health help-seeking behaviors and resilience.

🌍 Our Collective Responsibility

Our group focused on:

✅ Improving interagency collaboration – ensuring schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations work together to address youth suicide.

✅ Seeking solutions from youth – empowering those most impacted to shape policies and programs.

✅ Using a trauma-informed and Appreciative Inquiry approach – creating a safe space for visioning and action planning.

💙 Why This Matters

You never know when a conversation, a connection, or a simple act of kindness could change everything for a young person in crisis.

🔹 Talking about suicide does NOT increase risk—it opens the door for support.

🔹 Reducing stigma around mental health leads to earlier intervention and better outcomes.

🔹 Crisis services save lives—the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.

🔹 Training in suicide prevention (such as QPR, ASIST, or Mental Health First Aid) can equip community members to recognize and respond to warning signs.

🛑 We all have a role to play. Keep showing up. Keep advocating. Keep listening. Together, we can save lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support. 💙