May 15, 2001

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: Goals and Objectives for Action

The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy or NSSP) is designed to be a catalyst for social change with the power to transform attitudes, policies, and services. Representing the combined work of advocates, clinicians, researchers and survivors, the National Strategy lays out a framework for action and guides development of an array of services and programs yet to be set in motion. It strives to promote and provide direction to efforts to modify the social infrastructure in ways that will affect the most basic attitudes about suicide and its prevention, and that will also change judicial, educational, and health care systems. The NSSP requires a variety of organizations and individuals to become involved in suicide prevention and emphasizes coordination of resources and culturally appropriate services at all levels of government. The NSSP represents the first attempt in the United States to prevent suicide through a coordinated approach by both the public and private sectors. This document, written by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Public Health Service, is a key element in the National Strategy. Its clear articulation of a set of goals and objectives provides a roadmap for action.