AWARENESS
Statistics
Let’s talk about it...
Here are some startling statistics about teen suicide. While this data is the most accurate we have, we estimate the numbers to be higher. Stigma surrounding suicide leads to underreporting.
Leading Cause
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34.
Putting it in Perspective
More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, COMBINED.
Increasing Rates
The suicide rate for white children and teens between 10 and 17 rose 70% between 2006 and 2016, according to data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicides in black children and teens rose 77%. Further, a study of youth in grades 7-12 found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth were more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide as their heterosexual peers.
Texas Teens and Suicide
The youth suicide rate in Texas is higher than the national average. In a study conducted in 2021, 12% of high school students attempted suicide at least once in the prior twelve-month period, and 20% of students made a plan to attempt suicide. The COVID pandemic created a mental health crisis for Texas teens, increasing their suicide risk. Risk factors for increased suicide attempts in Texas also include: being bullied, feeling unsafe at school, home, or their community, and identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Our goal is to bring awareness to our community about mental illness and suicide, ignite compassion, and inspire change in our schools, homes, and communities. Below are just a few of the services we provide as we pursue our goals. Together, we can destigmatize and demystify mental illness and suicide.
Looking for Opportunities
Speaking Engagements
The Grace Loncar Foundation actively seeks opportunities to advocate and educate on the topic of teenage depression, mental illness, and suicide.
We partner with local mental health professionals to host educational series and speaking engagements to better equip the community on how to identify and help those that might be struggling.
If you are interested in hosting a meeting or event for your organization or school on these topics, we would love to participate.
Please email admin@graceloncarfoundation.org for more information.
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Event Sponsorship & Involvement
As a Foundation, we believe collaborating with other mental health nonprofits is a key component to achieving our collective goal to destigmatize mental health and reduce suicide rates. Therefore, GLF supports other nonprofit organizations with similar missions and goals. Below are just a few events we have participated in and sponsored.
Fashion Stars for a Cause benefitting The Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas
GLF Founder, Sue Loncar, was an honorary chairperson for the annual fundraising event supporting the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.
Suicide Awareness Month Event benefitting Greater Dallas Suicide Prevention Coalition
GLF board member and suicide survivor, Terry Bentley Hill, spoke at the memorial event which takes place at the Old Red Museum and publicly displays shoes representing the number of local residents we lose to suicide each year.
AFSP Out of the Darkness Walks
GLF Board Members, along with Grace’s family and friends and thousands of other suicide survivors and mental health advocates, participate in the annual American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk. In 2017, Board Member Sally Long Conway gave the opening remarks at the Prosper, Texas walk.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMIWalks
The purpose of NAMIWalks is to fuel mental health awareness, raise funds for NAMI’s mission, and let people know they are not alone.Â
Join the Grace Loncar Foundation NAMIWalks Team!
When: Saturday, May 18, 2024. 9:00 am – 11:30 am.
Where: Riders Field 7300 Roughriders Trail Frisco, TX 75034
Click the strawberry to join our team!
Social Media
Our Instagram and Facebook accounts have more than 10,000 followers, and we’d love to have more. We leverage both platforms to encourage those who struggle with their mental health and educate those with loved ones who struggle. We share information, articles, and graphics that educate our followers and promote acceptance, compassion, and hope.
