In 1989, the United States Department of Health and Human Services issued its "Report on the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide," which found that a majority of suicide attempts by homosexuals occur during their youth, and gay youth are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide than other young people. The report recommended that "mental health and youth service agencies can provide acceptance and support for young homosexuals, train their personnel on gay issues, and provide appropriate gay adult role models; schools can protect gay youth from abuse from their peers and provide accurate information about homosexuality in health curricula; families should accept their child and work toward educating themselves about the development and nature of homosexuality”.

Youth suicide continues to be a serious issue in Colorado. According to the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, fourteen percent of youth seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months. Of the 94 suicides in Jefferson County in calendar year 2005, 18 were under age 30 (including 6 who were under the age of 18). There is no data available regarding the number of these youth who were GLBTQ. However, research suggests that GLBTQ youth in the Metro Denver area have a high rate of suicide ideation. According to The GLBT Community Center of Colorado, 37% of youth surveyed reported that they had seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, and 49% indicated they felt sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in the past year.

Jefferson Center has expanded its youth suicide prevention work to include selected interventions targeting GLBTQ youth. Activities include training sessions for youth-serving professionals and other gatekeepers using the SafeTALK and ASIST models, but modified to directly address GLBTQ specific risk factors and culture; and an educational campaign designed to reach out to GLBTQ youth.

Suicide risk among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth (ages 13-21) in Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties. SafeTALK and ASIST trainings are provided to an estimated 60-75 youth serving professionals. The public education campaign reachs an estimated 1,000 youth, including GLBTQ youth and their peers.

Jefferson Center conducts four adapted SafeTALK Trainings and one ASIST Training per year, reaching an estimated 60- 75 youth serving professionals and other community members each year. By equipping gatekeepers with the skills to counsel a suicidal GLBTQ youth, perhaps suicide can be avoided, ultimately creating stronger families and a healthier community.

Working in partnership with the GLBTQ Center of Colorado, Jefferson Center modified the SafeTALK curriculum to incorporate training on GLBTQ identity issues and unique risk factors. Trainers from the GLBTQ Center set the tone for the sessions, work with participants to develop a common language, and address issues such as the coming out process, societal stigmas, and coping behaviors. Certified SafeTALK trainers transition into skill building sessions on how to identify warning signs and refer to an appropriate provider.

The ASIST curriculum includes suicide intervention skill development, confidential and trainer facilitated small group learning environments, established trainer protocols to address vulnerable or at risk participants, knowledge of local resources that could be accessed, consistent use of positive feedback, blend of larger group experiential challenges and safety of small group opportunities to test new skills, and no-fault simulation exercises.

The format of ASIST training is likened to first-aid CPR training. When a person administers CPR they stabilize a person until experts arrive at the scene. Likewise, ASIST participants learn the skills of providing temporary intervention until appropriate resources are secured. During the two-day training session, trainers encourage participants to recognize their own attitudes about suicide. Myths surrounding suicide are dispelled and replaced with facts regarding demographics, methods and “red-flags.” Through a multi-media presentation, trainers guide participants through scenarios demonstrating effective vs. ineffective intervention techniques. Participants take turns role-playing and putting their skills to the test. During the training, ASIST trainers continuously challenge participants with potential scenarios until each participant feels comfortable addressing the hypothetical circumstances presented to them.

In addition to the SafeTALK and ASIST Trainings, Jefferson Center conducts public education and outreach campaigns targeting GLBTQ youth. Jefferson Center performs an “audit” of existing educational materials (flyers, posters, leaflets, bumper stickers, magnets, website) and modifies them to incorporate population-appropriate images and messaging. The materials are disseminated through local youth-serving organizations (e.g., The ROAD, Jefferson County Workforce Center/Tri-County Youth Council) and through Gay-Student Alliances within the schools.