Today is World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death in the U.S. for youth ages 15 - 24. In recent years, we have lost an average of almost 14 A DAY in this age group. Here's what you should know...and a great event you can attend to show your support.

A Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that in the past 12 months, when it comes to high school students across the nation:

-- 28.5% felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more

-- 15.8% seriously considered attempting suicide

-- 12.8% made a plan about how they would attempt suicide

-- 7.8% attempted suicide

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, Inc. (SPTS) is a local, grass roots non-profit organization founded in 2005 by two friends, Scott Fritz and Don Quigley, who lost teenaged children to suicide. The SPTS office is located in Freehold and, with the support of Scott, Don, and the Board of Directors, has been acknowledged as a national resource for teen suicide prevention training and resources for educators, parents, and teens.

Here are more staggering youth suicide stats:

-- In the most recent report available, suicide surpassed homicide to be listed as the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 15 - 24

-- It is estimated that over 127,600 youth attempted suicide in one year

-- In the year 2011 alone, 5,104 youth ages TEN to 24 years old died by suicide

In less than ten years, the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide in Freehold has accomplished some great things, including:

-- Helping to pass legislation in our state that requires educators to have a minimum of 2 hours of suicide prevention training every 5 years (our state was the first in the country to do this)

-- Recruited experts in the field of suicide prevention to develop a two hour online suicide prevention training for teachers. This course has now been completed by 68,000 teachers across the country and is FREE.

-- Developed a short FREE video for parents to increase awareness of the issue of youth suicide and answer questions.This video has been distributed across the country.

-- Supported numerous communities with postvention efforts following multiple suicides or deaths, like in Manasquan.

-- Initiated a national working group to explore other ways to reach youth before they get to the point of crisis

So how can you help?

'Sips in September' is a great night out where you get to attend a wonderful evening of fine wine and spirits in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, while supporting the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.

It takes place Thursday, September 18th, 2014, from 6 pm - 9 pm, at Eagle Oaks Country Club in Farmingdale.

For more information, call 732-410-7900.

And, most importantly, keep these numbers handy in case of emergency. They are suicide hotlines:

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

1-855-654-6735