Alicia Rosa

In 2019, I became a widow in my 20s after losing my husband to suicide. Since then, I’ve been affected by additional suicide deaths in my community, friend group, etc. Suicide is a leading cause of death yet can be prevented. As a mom of pre-teen, I see the stress and drama she deals with amongst her peers and at school. Our children face pressure, bullying, and constant overstimulation in a way none of us ever did. According to the 2024 NH Suicide Prevention Council's Annual Report, Suicide is the leading cause of death in New Hampshire for youth ages 10 to 14 and the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 24. School personnel and others who have regular contact with youth can prevent youth suicides by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously, and knowing how to respond to them. Early identification, education, and intervention are proven tools to save lives.