The Department of Justice has allocated nearly $975,000 to support a youth suicide prevention initiative in Pacific County. This funding comes from the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman commented on the situation, stating, “Tragically, Pacific County has the tenth highest suicide rate in the state.” She emphasized that local efforts aim to address this issue: “Those working with youth in Pacific County have crafted this project to try to combat youth suicide and build community resilience. The Department of Justice supports these efforts with the hope that other communities can learn from these programs.”
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Pacific County Public Health & Human Services and WestEd’s Justice and Prevention Research Center. It targets suicidal ideation and attempts among students from 8th to 12th grade within the county. The project plans include delivering training on suicide awareness and prevention in schools, establishing trauma response protocols, evaluating existing policies, and implementing resilience-building activities.
The awarded funds will be used for evidence-based programs designed to help individuals recognize mental health struggles and respond effectively to signs of suicidal ideation. By educating young people on prevention strategies, the project aims to foster a safer environment for Pacific County's youth over time.
