September is Suicide Awareness Month Suicide Is One Of
Tennessee's Greatest Public Health Threats NASHVILLE — In
Tennessee, an estimated 750 men, women, and children die by
suicide each year—more than the number who die from homicide,
AIDS, or drunk driving. The Tennessee Department of Mental
Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), along with the
Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, is working to increase
suicide prevention awareness during September, National Suicide
Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the third leading cause
of death among youth and young adults ages 15-24 in Tennessee
and throughout the entire nation. The rate of suicide in
Tennessee is 13.4 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the
national average of 10.8 per 100,000 individuals. Unfortunately,
Tennessee’s suicide rate ranks 19th in the nation. As a result
of these negative statistics, Tennessee has become a national
leader in suicide prevention. The state increases awareness in
schools by providing school based curriculums thr