In a recent community meeting, Kim Brown, a representative from the Hope Foundation, highlighted the critical work being done to combat suicide through education and support programs. Established in 2005 following the tragic suicide of 14-year-old Amber Craig, the Amber Craig Memorial Foundation has since reached over 335,000 individuals with its suicide prevention initiatives.

Brown emphasized the foundation's commitment to providing comprehensive training and resources aimed at recognizing the warning signs of suicide. Their programs target a wide audience, including students, teachers, parents, and first responders, with the goal of equipping them to intervene effectively in crisis situations. In the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District alone, the foundation has trained approximately 195,000 community members and allocated over $100,000 for therapy and counseling services for at-risk individuals.

The urgency of these efforts is underscored by alarming statistics from the CDC, which identifies suicide as the second leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 14 and the third for individuals aged 15 to 24. In 2022, 22% of high school students reported seriously considering suicide, with 18% creating a plan and 10% attempting it. Additionally, diagnoses of anxiety and depression have surged by 93% since the onset of the pandemic.

Brown, who has been involved with the foundation for a decade after experiencing personal loss due to suicide, reiterated the importance of community engagement in prevention efforts. She called on everyone to contribute to the mission of suicide prevention, highlighting that collective action can make a significant difference in saving lives. The Hope Foundation remains dedicated to its mission, striving to empower individuals and communities to address this pressing public health issue.