GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – A shocking trend in teen suicides has rocked the Gridley community.

In less than a month, Gridley has lost two young men under the age of 20 to suicide and in the recent week, another teen has attempted to take his life. Not only are these deaths tragic, but highly alarming – the rate and number in such a short amount of time previously unheard of in our small town.

Families, friends, classmates and the community at large have been left to mourn the devastating loss of these two young men.

In an effort to address the suicides, provide emotional support and also raise awareness for prevention, Gridley Unified School District and Gridley High School is having a Suicide Prevention Forum Thursday, January 16^th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Guardian Building on East Spruce St., Gridley.

GHS Principal Justin Kern sent a letter out to the parents/guardians of his students on January 8^th addressing the loss of former student the previous weekend. “The death of any young person is a loss, which in one way or another, diminishes each of us.” He continues to outline GHS’s intended process to aid the student body process the loss - the visit of an administrator or counselor to each student via a visit to their English class and the provision of suicide prevention resources and crisis numbers. “In addition,” he continues, “We have asked the assistance of the county for resources and access to a crisis team to help our school community deal with this loss.”

According to the National Institute of a Mental Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States in persons younger than 34 years, superseded only by unintentional injury. The latest data compiled from 2017, reports that 6,252 youth between the ages 15-24 committed suicide that year alone. Overall, suicide rates have been steadily increasing since the year 2000, with higher percentages found in white males more so than females and minorities.

Regardless of the statistics, the Gridley community has been left heartbroken by the recent losses and vigilant in the attempts to prevent any other of its youth from attempting to take their lives.

“We are doing everything we can to help your child and our staff through this tragic experience,” says Principal Kern. “It has been a challenging time for our district and community.”

Parents and community members are urged to attend the forum. Snacks and babysitting for younger children will be provided so attendees can focus on the topics including: warning signs, interventions and “how to talk to your kids.” If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please reach out for help and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. All lives matter!