Agency Details:

Youth Suicide Prevention Program

Youth Suicide Prevention Program's (YSPP’s) mission is to reduce suicide attempts and deaths by young people in Washington State. We work closely with local schools, community centers, youth groups, public health and other community agencies to implement programs that help people to recognize suicidal warning signs, express concern and compassion for troubled young people, and direct youth to helpful resources.

Description:
We operate two core programs: Our Training & Education Program is designed to increase public knowledge about the warning signs for youth depression and suicide as well as evidence-based intervention techniques. Our Community Capacity Building Program builds partnerships with local (non-school based) organizations throughout the state to strengthen communication and collaboration between community groups, healthcare facilities, youth
development and recreational organizations, faith communities, service clubs, and public health agencies so that they can recognize and be more responsive to troubled young people within their communities. YSPP operates with a staff of eight persons (6.3 FTE) in its Seattle office, plus eight contracted Field Coordinators who work “on the ground” in communities throughout the state.

History:
In 1992 a promising 16-year old student and athlete named Trevor Simpson killed himself. At the time, Washington State did not have a suicide prevention plan, and resources for at-risk youth and survivors were virtually nonexistent. Shortly after his death, Trevor's parents began advocating for a program to help prevent other young people from committing suicide. Their efforts resulted in funding from the Washington State Legislature to write a youth suicide prevention plan. In 1995 the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) contracted with the University of Washington's School of Nursing to implement strategies identified in the plan. Over the next four years, the School of Nursing developed public education presentations and training programs and worked to enhance the state's crisis response services. In 1999, despite statewide recognition and success, funding was reduced and the School of Nursing could no longer afford to implement these services. Because the program was considered vital, the DOH garnered enough funding to award a professional contract to continue providing services, and in 2000 the Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP) was incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) organization charged with delivering these services. YSPP is now considered a leader in the area of youth suicide prevention and has received regional and national recognition for its work.

Contact people:

Sue Eastgard, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Jennifer Barron, Deputy Director, (phone), (email) Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (206) 297-5922
Office fax number: (206) 297-0818

Address:

444 NE Ravenna Blvd. #401 Seattle, WA 98115 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.yspp.org

Directions:

YSPP's office is located in the Green Lake neighborhood. From I-5 heading north, take the Ravenna Blvd exit (Exit 170) heading toward NE 65th St. Turn slight left onto NE Ravenna Blvd. and travel about a half a mile. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Route MT 48 and Route MT16, 2-3 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	Yes
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	No
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes

Last updated on November 3, 2009