Click on "more" to read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report on youth suicidal behavior in Kent and Sussex counties and recommendations for potential strategies for community and state leaders to use to prevent future deaths.More
DOVER, Del. (WBOC/AP)- Federal health officials have released a preliminary report regarding a rash of suicides involving Delaware teenagers this year.
Dr. Alex Crosby of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that researchers investigated 11 suicides that occurred in Kent and Sussex counties from January through May.
Researchers also reported 116 nonfatal suicide attempts by young people during that time period.
While the study found no "direct contagion" suggesting that the suicide of one person led directly to another, Crosby said many of those who killed themselves had several identifiable risk factors, including mental health problems, relationship problems, and legal or academic problems.
Four of the suicides were Polytech High School students. District Superintendent Debbie Zych said the staff and school are still reeling from the tragedy.
"We're still considering ourselves to be on a state of high alert," she said.
Among the recommendations in the report is periodic mental health and suicidal behavior awareness training for school personnel and others who work with youth
