Although suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, there are currently limited resources within the college community to help students deal with this pressing issue. In an effort to combat the alarming suicide rate among college students, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has launched the College Screening Project - a pilot program aimed at identifying college students at risk for suicide and encouraging them to get the help they need.

Research shows that 90% of college students who take their own lives have a diagnosable mental illness, usually depression, even though it is highly treatable. Unfortunately, resources to identify at-risk students are currently not in place on many campuses. The participation of colleges and universities in the College Screening Project will provide an essential campus resource to identify risk factors among students.

"Too many lives have been lost to suicide and we need to educate people about this serious public health problem and ways it can be prevented," said David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., a member of the AFSP Board of Directors, former U.S. Surgeon General and director of the National Center for Primary Care at the Morehouse School of Medicine. "The AFSP's College Screening Project is a welcomed and much-needed program that sets a higher standard for groups reaching out to college students."

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention eventually plans to make the College Screening Project available on campuses across the country, however, individual institutions will decide if they would like to participate. The screening consists of a confidential online questionnaire that is evaluated by a clinically trained counselor who will provide a personalized reply to the student. Students with significant risk factors are urged to come in for a face-to-face evaluation to discuss treatment options and appropriate mental health services, both on and off campus.

Pilot test results from one college campus are promising. Students who have participated in focus groups evaluating the project have provided positive feedback about its proactive approach in reaching out to students in need. Many of those who have come for a clinical evaluation have credited the project with helping them recognize their problems and find the right treatment services.

"It is extremely important to develop a program for universities that will help to identify at-risk students, encourage appropriate treatment and prevent suicide," said J. John Mann, M.D., president of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "The College Screening Project differs from other programs because it provides a confidential means to reach college students and has an extensive follow-up regimen which will help in tracking the progress of treatment."

The AFSP also will be reaching out to college communities with a documentary film featuring students who have experienced suicidal depression or who have lost a peer to suicide to help educate students. The documentary was premiered on May 6 and will be distributed to colleges and universities beginning in the fall.

The College Screening Project and the documentary film are being highlighted at this year's AFSP Annual Lifesavers Dinner on May 7. The Lifesavers Dinner is an annual event hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that honors researchers for scientific investigations that significantly contribute to knowledge about suicide, public figures for raising awareness, and survivors of suicide for providing support to others and enduring incredible personal loss to lead the cause of suicide prevention.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the only national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to funding research, developing prevention initiatives and offering educational programs and conferences for survivors, mental health professionals, physicians and the public.

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