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2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

The U.S. Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention recently released the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.  The report is the culmination of the efforts of the Action Alliance’s National Strategy Revision Task Force, co-led by Surgeon General Regina Benjamin and Jerry Reed, Director of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. The National Strategy recognizes that suicide is a complicated issue that requires equally complex solutions. Effective solutions need to incorporate multiple approaches at multiple levels. Effective prevention programs and policies stress the importance of wellness, resiliency, and protective factors; effective suicide response and intervention programs address risk factors, mental health and substance abuse services, and crisis response for those who are struggling with suicidal behaviors; and effective support programs are required for those who have been touched by suicide or suicidal behavior.