Suicide is a public concern and one of the most preventable causes of death. Every eleven minutes someone dies by suicide in the U.S., however, in Kentucky people die by suicide more frequently. In the U.S. and Kentucky, males die by suicide more often than females while individuals between 10 and 34 years old are at the highest risk for suicide. There are many risks for suicide including age, sex, stress, job hazards and health conditions, but it is important to note suicide can affect anyone.  

A KEHA lesson, Understanding Suicide, aims to prepare community members to recognize early warning signs of suicide and help decrease suicidal behaviors within their community. This program was brought to local community members at the Floyd County Extension Office as a collaboration between surrounding counties, Johnson, Floyd, Pike, Martin, and Magoffin.  

This lesson was presented to an audience of KEHA members, both male and female,  between the ages of 18 and 75. By the conclusion of this lesson, twenty participants showed an increase in their level of Understanding or Ability, felt more confident in the Behavioral Intentions focused on recognizing and understanding signs of suicidal behavior, and felt more equipped with resources and contacts for receiving professional help. From the data gathered, one participant stated, “I am afraid my grandson is suicidal, and this [lesson] has helped. Thank you.” Another participant’s survey provided the following comment, “This lesson was very useful. It provided insight I hadn’t previously thought about.”