Program Description

Components of the Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program

Statewide Crisis Hotline 1-888-568-1112

A statewide crisis hotline automatically connects callers to the crisis service provider in the area from which they are calling. This line is for ALL individuals in crisis to provide immediate, local assistance in a crisis situation.

Statewide Information Resource Center (IRC) 1-800-499-0027 or osa.ircosa@maine.gov

The Office of Substance Abuse Information Resource Center in the Department of Health and Human Services has a wide selection of suicide prevention informational materials for adults and teens. Resources include print and audio/visual educational materials, Maine and national data, & other informational materials.

School-based Prevention Policies and Crisis Intervention Teams

Careful, advanced planning is crucial to preventing suicide, managing a crisis, and preventing additional crises in the school setting. School Administrative Unit (SAU) administrators and Crisis Intervention Teams have an essential role to play to assist youth in crisis while maintaining control of the learning environment. Part of advanced planning for an effective crisis response is the development of written cooperative agreements between School Administrative Units and Local Crisis Service providers.

School-based plans and procedures that guide staff in effectively identifying, screening and assisting students at risk for a variety of issues, including suicide are important. School Guidelines to help school administrators establish crisis intervention and suicide prevention procedures were developed and distributed to all Maine school superintendents and principals in May 2002 and revised in May 2006. Download Youth Suicide Prevention, Intervention & Postvention Guidelines -- Guidelines (WORD) -- Guidelines (PDF) For copies of the Guidelines call the Information Resource Center, 1-800-499-0027.

MYSPP Trainings

Clinician Training

Well-trained clinicians are necessary to effectively assist Maine youth. For information on training for clinicians of the statewide crisis system call Ann O'Brien at (207) 287-4259.

Student Suicide Prevention Education

Integration of suicide prevention information into comprehensive school health education is strongly encouraged by the Department of Education. Training for health teachers in Lifelines, an evaluated suicide prevention curriculum, is offered through the MYSPP. This student curriculum addresses a variety of youth risk behaviors and builds youth help-seeking skills. Contact Linda Williams, Medical Care Development (207) 622-7566 ext. 243 or Pete Spears, Department of Education, (207) 624-6697 for more information.

There is also more information on this web under Comprehensive School Program.

Media Education

Lethal Means Education

An impulsive act by a suicidal youth can be fatal. Five out of ten suicides among Maine’s youth involve a firearm. Removing access to all lethal means, especially firearms, is an effective prevention strategy. A Firearm Safety video and training are available for a variety of audiences. For more information call Katharyn Zwicker at (207) 287-5359.

Program INFORMATION