Part 1 – Prevalance of Suicide in Montana – Lack of statewide coordination

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults in our state (Montana), second only to motor vehicle accidents. 

Lack of statewide coordination

• Systems collaboration between tribal entities, counties and state government, especially for adolescent and young adult populations are inadequate.

• Coordination between community levels and state systems is inadequate. Local communities may not know about initiatives in other parts of the state or in state government. State government agencies are often not aware of prevention efforts related to suicide in other agencies.

• Development of suicide prevention strategies often occurs without the involvement of youth in the planning process.

• Screening for mental illness and suicide does not consistently occur in public schools, juvenile justice systems, or other child-serving agencies. Screening is inconsistent in the medical community

Source:  State of Montana Suicide Prevention Plan at http://www.sprc.org/stateinformation/PDF/stateplans/plan_mt.pdf