The Need for Suicide Prevention Training

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Youth mental health concerns continue to impact schools, churches, families, and communities across North Carolina and throughout the United States. According to the CDC's 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 40% of U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9% reported attempting suicide during the previous year. These findings highlight the significant emotional distress many young people continue to experience.

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North Carolina continues to face similar challenges. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 72 youth ages 10–18 died by suicide in 2023, and youth suicide deaths have increased over the past decade. These statistics underscore the importance of awareness, prevention, early identification, and community-wide efforts to support children, tweens, and teens before a crisis occurs.

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Educators, ministry leaders, coaches, volunteers, parents, and helping professionals are often among the first trusted adults to recognize when a young person may be struggling. Suicide prevention training helps participants recognize warning signs, respond appropriately, and connect youth and families with meaningful support before concerns escalate into a crisis.

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Through our A.P.A. Mode (Awareness • Prevention • Access), participants learn how to recognize concerns, strengthen protective factors, and create environments where children, tweens, and teens feel supported, connected, and valued.

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Why Suicide Prevention Training Matters

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Youth mental health concerns continue to impact families, schools, churches, and communities. Anxiety, depression, trauma, social isolation, bullying, family stressors, and other challenges can increase vulnerability among young people.

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Many adults want to help but are unsure what warning signs to look for, what questions to ask, or how to respond when concerns arise. Suicide prevention training helps participants move from uncertainty to preparedness while fostering a culture of support, awareness, and hope.