It’s a macabre task. But if you’ve lost a pre teen to suicide or know of one who has, a CBS Evening News medical producer might want to talk to you. They are working with their chief medical correspondent, Dr. Jon LaPook, and are looking for:
- A parent of a preteen (10-12) who died by suicide, who lives on the east coast, and willing to share their story with CBS News
This is in regards to a study about screening preteens for suicide risk in emergency room settings. The tool is 4-question ASQ Suicide Screening tool that is an evidence-based tool for use in medical practices and emergency rooms to screen 10-21 year olds at risk for suicide.
I work with and co-present with Lisa Horowitz, PhD regarding the ASQ tool and her study of emergency room screenings for suicide risk. She recommended they call me to find that parent.
I want news of this tool in national media so every ER, pediatric and family practice in the country integrates this tool into practice to prevent youth suicide. The suicide rate for white children and teens between 10 and 17 was up 70% between 2006 and 2016, the latest data analysis available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although African American children and teens kill themselves less often than white youth do, the rate of increase in the 10-17 year old age group was an alarming 77%.
If you are the parent or have the contact info of one who fits this description, you can use this contact form to send me the information. Thank you.
