The History of the Suicide Prevention Network of Douglas County

In June of 1998 the family of a 13 year old, 7^th grader, received the most devastating news a parent could ever hear. Their son ended his life by suicide. The news shocked the people of the quiet, rural, Carson Valley.

In response to deep suffering and community need, a group of educators, clergy, community leaders, law enforcement and parents established a non profit agency that is prevention based to educate, inform and support community members.

Nevada ranks number one in the nation with Douglas County the highest county for suicides.  Suicide is among the leading causes of death among 15-24 year olds and, at the current time, is the 2^nd leading cause of death among 25-34 year olds.

The Suicide Prevention Network - Board of Directors has made it their mission to spread awareness through education, intervention and support. The non-profit agency has partnered with other community coalitions to provide materials, trainings, conferences and support groups to educate the community on the warning signs and issues surrounding a persons choice to end their life.

• Approximately 31,000 people in the U.S. kill themselves each year. One person intentionally ends their life every 17 minutes; it is estimated that an attempt is made once per minute.
• The real figure for completed suicides may be three to five times higher because many (if not most) suicides go unreported.
• More people die by suicide than homicide (murder) in the United States.
• More Nevadans die by suicide than by homicide or automobile accidents.
• Suicide rates, for 15-24 year olds, more than doubled since the 1950’s and remained largely stable, at the higher levels, between the late 1970’s and the mid 1990’s. Suicide rates have declined 25.6% since 1995.
• Each suicide leaves, in its wake, at least six bereaved family members and friends.
• Survivors of suicide are at a higher risk for suicide than the general public.
• Prevention is often a matter of a caring person, with the right knowledge, being in the right place at the right time and taking appropriate action.

We believe, at the Suicide Prevention Network of Douglas County, that by bringing awareness to the workplace, schools, service clubs and homes, we have the opportunity to reduce this devastating loss of life across all ages. We know, without action, there will be increased numbers of suicides in the Carson Valley. We all need to work together to educate, inform & support our community.