Kristian Foden-Vencil, OPB
Oregon's senators announced Thursday a $400,000 suicide prevention grant for the state.
The money will come from the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which passed in 2004 and is named for Senator Gordon Smith's son, Garrett, who took his life while at college.
Lisa Miette, with the Oregon Department of Human Services, says the tragedy has drawn attention to the issue and the grant will help in a number of ways.
Lisa Miette: "It will require hospitals to report suicide attempts treated in emergency rooms -- to facilitate outreach by local mental health. We will work with schools and communities to establish a comprehensive suicide prevention program, known as Safe Teen, in the schools."
The money will also provide suicide prevention training for people who work with youth and help businesses that employ people younger than 24 to establish their own programs.
Experts estimate that every three and a half hours someone is admitted to the hospital in Oregon following a suicide attempt.
About 60 youths kill themselves each year.
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