The CBSP focuses on rural Alaska and has shown that villages that maintain active projects over time can reduce their rates of suicide. The federally funded ASK project taught health aides and others to ASK about suicide ideation when treating injured youth. The Bureau of Vital Statistics much improved the accuracy and timeliness of its data on suicide and suicide attempts. This has increased our ability to understand patterns of suicide in the state and take appropriate action. Recent clusters of suicides in two regions of the state brought swift response from state officials in the form of funding for the development of a comprehensive plan.
Good data is very important.
It allows targeted efforts. Suicide prevention requires a sustained focused effort.