09/05/2025
This is a Tennessee Su***de Prevention Advisory Group notice regarding an increase in su***de-related emergency department visits among youth (aged 5-17) reported during the month of August, and to provide youth su***de prevention resources.
During the week of August 10th to August 16th, 2025, there were a total of 257 su***de-related emergency department visits among youth, a 49% increase from the previous week. As a result, the Tennessee Department of Health has generated su***de-related ESSENCE alerts for youth aged 5-17 for the following 34 counties: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Hamblen, Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Scott, Sevier, Knox, Davidson, Greene, Washington, Bedford, Hickman, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Perry, Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Dyer, Hardin, Haywood, Henry, Gibson, Obion, Weakley, and Madison.
While this increase in emergency department visits for suicidal behavior is unfortunately expected during the “back-to-school” season, the TDH Su***de Prevention Program would like to highlight the following youth su***de prevention resources available on the TDH Youth Su***de Prevention Webpage:
•A list of common school-related risk factors and warning signs that may indicate that a young person may be at risk for or considering su***de
Youth su***de prevention PSAs in English and Spanish.
•Information on TDH-sponsored youth su***de prevention programming
•Safety planning and crisis resources
•Individuals in crisis should call or text 988, then press 0 to speak with a crisis counselor.
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/su***de-prevention/youth-su***de-prevention.html