In Oregon, suicide is the second leading cause of death among Oregonians aged 10 to 24. In response to this statistic, the Oregon Department of Human Services developed a plan with 15 strategies for communities to use to reduce youth suicide.

This plan outlines an initiative through which Oregonians can help break through denial and cultural taboos about death, help end the shame associated with suicide, help foster the conviction that not even one youth has to die by suicide, and help take responsibility by openly and honestly joining with other Oregonians to reduce suicide among our youth.

The 15 strategies for state and community-based action require a commitment to partnership and shared responsibility among state agencies, between state and local governments, and between public and private sectors.