VCHIP, in collaboration with the Center for Health and Learning, conducted an evaluation of the Vermont Youth Suicide Prevention Project (VYSPP). Funded by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to engage a broad range of Vermont schools and agencies to facilitate trainings for suicide prevention gatekeepers.
Gatekeepers learn about signs of suicidality, appropriate responses, and how to connect young people with needed services. The VCHIP evaluation uses a wide array of tools and data sources to assess the effectiveness of the trainings, and will be working to help identify gaps in the mental health referral system. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10-24 in the state of Vermont. The Vermont Youth Suicide Prevention Platform describes the problem of suicide and offers concrete goals to address the many issues that impact prevention efforts. This platform is a guide for setting priorities, allocating funds, and highlighting the things ordinary Vermonters can do to address the issue.