May 10, 2024- The issue of pediatric suicide has become an increasingly urgent concern, according to the Zero Suicide Institute and Cardinal Health. Among youth in the U.S. who die, more than 25% die from suicide, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24.
Pediatric suicide presents particular challenges due to developmental considerations, communication barriers, limited access to mental health resources, and other factors. Children’s hospitals play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing specialized care for young patients and their families. However, integrating suicide prevention efforts into pediatric healthcare requires a tailored approach that recognizes the unique needs of these systems.
In response to the unique needs of at-risk pediatric populations, Zero Suicide Institute at EDC, in collaboration with the Cardinal Health Foundation and the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), has created a groundbreaking adaptation of the Zero Suicide Toolkit specifically for implementing the Zero Suicide framework in children’s hospitals. Today, the organizations have announced the release the Zero Suicide Toolkit for Children’s Hospitals, in honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.