Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people between 10 and 24 years old in 2017.
Between 2014 and 2016, it was the leading cause of death for people 15 to 19-years-old in Howard County.
Because of that, the Howard County Health Department developed a plan to reduce youth suicide. The Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign will be used to educate the community on recognizing risk factors and warning signs.
“We now that while this is a growing problem, it is preventable. Our actions at the government level, at the public service level, and frankly at the individual level can actually save lives,” said county executive Calvin Ball.
Those involved in the campaign also hope to raise awareness about suicide and get rid of the stigma around suicide and mental health.