Jason Foundation
Founded in 1997 after the loss of the founder's son Jason, The Jason Foundation has declared its mission to help educate parents, teachers, youth workers and especially youth on the “silent epidemic” of youth suicide. Through this education and awareness, a movement of suicide prevention has begun.
Staff Development Training Seminars
In-service training in the awareness of the growing problem of youth suicide and the recognition of at-risk youth is available in several forms, all especially designed for educators and youth workers. Statistical data, signs of concern, elevated risk factors and resources for help are explored. The in-service program can be presented in person by JFI staff personnel, through video conferencing technology, or with packaged CD-ROM format designed for groups or individuals. This program is provided to local schools at no cost as a part of their curriculum.
Parent Seminars
Jason Foundation personnel are available to present parent seminars for community, church or school parent groups. The program provides information about youth suicide facts, signs of concern of at-risk youth, and information about how to respond to a troubled young person. Contact The Jason Foundation office to schedule a parent training seminar in your area.
Youth Suicide Facts
- Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for ages 15-24 and fourth for ages 10-14.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for our college-age youth.
- NHSDA Report/SAMHSA (U.S. Dept. of Health): In 2000, more than 3 million youth seriously considered suicide in the U.S. and of that number more than 1 million attempted suicide. That equates to over 19,000 attempts each week in our nation by young people between the ages of 12-17, which averages to almost two attempts each minute.
- Nationally, once every 117 minutes a person under the age of 25 completes suicide.
- Each week, we lose approximately 100-plus young people in our nation to suicide.
- It is projected that more than 5,000 young people each year complete suicide.
- Even though white males make up the majority of completed suicides, from 1980-1995, suicide among black youth ages 10-14 increased 233 percent and in black youth ages 15-19 suicide rates increased 126 percent. For black youth in the Southern region of the nation, there was an increase of 214 percent.
- In the past 40 years, youth suicide rates have almost tripled. Between 1980-1996, suicide rates for ages 10-14 increased by 100 percent.
- In 1996, more teenagers and young adults died of suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza and chronic lung disease combined.
- Four out of five young people who attempt suicide have given clear warnings.
Contact The Jason Foundation
181 East Main St.
Jefferson Bldg., Suite 5
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 264-2323
(888) 881-2323
You can also call 1-877-778-CARL.