Program helps Wisconsin children make healthier choices

While many cities and states across the U.S. are struggling with suicide among the teen population, one Wisconsin county has formed a program that has help decrease self-inflicted injury rates.

Community for Hope of Greater Oshkosh trained more than 2,000 people in suicide awareness and prevention in 2000 as part of an effort to curb high suicide rates in Winnebago County.

The number of suicide deaths has decreased since the early part of the last decade, reports The Northwestern. Furthermore, the program implores parents and teachers as well as school support staff such as custodians, crossing guards and bus drivers to identify problems with children.

Those who are trained in the program are taught the QPR method, which includes questioning a person who seems troubled, persuading them to get professional help and to referring them to a resource who can assist them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4,400 suicides occur in individuals between ages 10 and 24 each year.