One of the most concerning trends in child health is the increase in suicide rates over the last two decades in the United States. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in teenagers and young adults, and we should be alarmed both as pediatricians and citizens. We also need to ask questions about what this says about our society, what kind of promise and opportunity kids see for themselves, whether they are receiving the support they need, and if our healthcare system has the capacity to manage kids before and during a mental health crisis. As part of our ongoing mental health series, in this episode we discuss the alarming increase in suicide rates and some potential solutions to prevent suicide in children.

Guests:

Lisa Horowitz, PhD, MPH, is a pediatric psychologist and senior associate scientist at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Intramural Research Program at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and is a principal investigator at the NIMH studying detection of suicide risk in the medical setting.

Jeff Bridge, PhD, is an epidemiologist and director of the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research in the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He is also the Nationwide Foundation Endowed Chair of Innovation in Behavioral Health Research and professor of pediatrics, psychiatry and behavioral health at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Today's episode is underwritten by Modivcare Foundation, a proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. The Modivcare Foundation is committed to improving the health of their members in communities across the country while advocating for the future of care through philanthropic funding. Their partnership allows Children's Colorado to make important changes to our state's mental health system, prevent suicide, and give youth the support and services they need to thrive. Thank you to Modivcare Foundation for your investment in Children's Hospital Colorado.

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org