The above stated factors and issues may lead to the large-scale problem of teen suicide, however, a clear, simple solution exists that can lower the teen suicide rate. The solution is based off Allan L. Berman's and Philip G. Patros' theories relating to teen peer motivation and effective suicide-prevention strategies. According to Berman in Adolescent Suicide Assessment and Intervention, an effective suicide prevention program must be administered by specialists, such as teen therapists, doctors, and other specialists (163). Furthermore, Patros' theories suggest that suicidal teenagers are best instructed in the ways of suicide prevention by those closest to their own age (125).
Based on these two theories, the most effective teen suicide prevention program for the State of Alaska would be to organize a volunteer program which would be led and taught by teenagers, but supervised and mentored by a team of specialists, doctors, and school faculty. The overall supervision of the Alaska Teen Suicide Prevention Program would fall under the specialists, but the physical teaching and communication of the program would be administered by the volunteer teenagers. This statewide program would be separated into smaller regions, which would be directly supervised by suicide specialists and the district superintendents. Ultimately, the Alaska Teen Suicide Prevention Program both satisfies the need for a solid teen-suicide prevention program in Alaska and presents a cost-effective solution.
Alaska Teen Suicide Prevention Program.
Teenagers represent the most important part of this program because they interact directly with the suicide victims. As the teenage volunteers, you will be responsible for leading groups, teaching suicide awareness in classes, organizing social events, and creating lesson plans for future classes. As Berman explained, peer prevention programs are most effective at a community level and offers excellent treatment for an adolescent suicide patient (234).