Caring for Teens at the Core of the UK Stop Youth Suicide Conference

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2015) — The reasons why a teen might consider, attempt or commit suicide are complex. But according to Dr. Hatim Omar, University of Kentucky professor and chair of the Division of Adolescent Medicine, reducing youth suicide begins with a simple act — caring for teens.

“It’s not rocket science to help kids,” Omar said. “It’s just getting people to understand the message.”

Omar believes getting to the bottom of the problem of youth suicide requires dialogue among parents, ministers, school staff, health care providers, and counselors — but most importantly, teens themselves. For this reason, he helped to establish the Stop Youth Suicide Conference, which celebrates 15 years preventing and educating communities about youth suicide in Kentucky this week.

The Stop Youth Suicide (SYS) Conference on Nov. 5-6 will engage teens, parents, counselors, health professionals, and University of Kentucky employees in conversations about suicide risks and prevention. World-renowned teen health experts will discuss achievements of SYS through the past 15 years, risky behaviors, self-image, mental health, LGBT suicide risks, sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, anxiety disorders and more during the full-day conference at the Doubletree Hilton and Suites in Lexington. In addition, teens will participate in an evening of socializing with Miss Kentucky 2013 Jenna Day during the Teen Event on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Since coming to UK in 1998, Omar has focused on enhancing teen wellness and preventing suicide through his efforts with the Stop Youth Suicide Campaign, a community-based youth suicide prevention program. In addition, Omar provides comprehensive teen health services through the Adolescent Health Clinic at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital and school-based outreach clinics in Lincoln and Harrison counties. He has advocated legislation to improve teen health and make resources available to families and youth with disabilities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, physical health peaks during the adolescent years, but this age group is susceptible to mental health problems and suicide. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults across the nation and in Kentucky.

Since the UK Division of Adolescent Medicine, led by Omar, introduced the Stop Youth Suicide Campaign in 2000, suicide attempts in Kentucky’s youth have dropped in areas where school-based access to teen health services is available.

Omar’s recently published book, “Youth Suicide Prevention: Everybody’s Business,” chronicles the experiences and successes of the Stop Youth Suicide Campaign. The book describes a holistic approach to youth suicide from several perspectives, as well as strategies for reducing suicide that have worked in Kentucky.

Teens can attend the conference free of charge. For more information about the conference, visit www.stopyouthsuicide.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Elizabeth Adams, elizabethadams@uky.edu