If you saw someone having a heart attack, you'd call 911. But what if a friend told you they were thinking about suicide? What would you do? Who would you call? Today, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. Over the past thirty years, the youth suicide rate has tripled in the United States. In addition, people are afraid to talk about suicide. Because no one is talking, young people are dying --- one every one hour and forty-five minutes, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

The Jason Foundation is waging a battle against the "Silent Epidemic" of youth suicide. The core focus of this battle is prevention through education. The Foundation provides a range of programs that include parent and youth seminars, staff development training, and a school-based curriculum unit for grades seven through twelve.

"I want everyone to know what is going on," stated President/CEO, Clark Flatt. "I was shocked that statistics this high aren't front-page news. That is why our goal is to equip people so they'll be able to recognize signs of concern and know how to handle these types of situations. I'm a passionate crusader because when it comes to suicide, one more child is too many."

“A Promise for Tomorrow” – School-Based Curriculum
This is a school based curriculum unit designed for grades 7 through 12. It is a unit of study about the awareness and prevention of youth suicide presented so that teens learn how to help a friend in need. Youth learn the magnitude of the problem, signs of concern and what to do if a friend ever confides or shows signs they are thinking of suicide. The students are given tools and resources to help their friend. The program can be incorporated into currently mandated programs such as health and wellness or guidance.

To learn more or to order the material click here

Parent Seminars
This program, presented by The Jason Foundation staff, gives the staggering statistics associated with youth suicide to enhance parental awareness of the problem. The program provides information about signs of concern that are unique to the parent-child relationship. Parents are also given helpful resources and information on what to do if they suspect their son or daughter is at risk.


Staff Development Seminars
The Jason Foundation provides specialized training for educators, law-enforcement, youth leaders and others who work closely with young people. This program promotes awareness and prevention through detailed information and discussion. Information pertinent to the teacher-student relationship is explored as well as resources for the teacher to help a depressed or suicidal student. This staff development seminar can be presented in person by JFI staff personnel, through video conferencing technology or with a packaged CD ROM format. Now available online- Click Here.

Note: To schedule a seminar contact The Jason Foundation education Department at 1-888-881-2323.