It was time to act, Maggie decided. Six months later, Maggie is one of 23 Maury High students who continue to get counseling as a result of that survey. And today, she will share her story with the nation, speaking alongside Surgeon General David Satcher. At the National Press Club in Washington, Satcher will recognize Maury's and two other suicide prevention programs as he releases a national blueprint of goals and objectives to help prevent suicide. . In 1999, he recognized suicide as a serious national threat and issued a call for action.
Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.
But among young people between ages 15 and 24, it rises to the third, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide among adolescents and young adults almost tripled between 1952 and 1995. They were screened individually, and one was hospitalized that same day. Another 23, including Maggie, went to counseling, and one was placed in Child Protective Services. Two more referred friends from other schools, and Brinkman contacted counselors on those campuses.