Suicide prevention targets at-risk groups

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A U.S. group with the goal of preventing suicide says it is focusing on three high-risk groups, including the military and young gays and lesbians.

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention added three new task forces to address suicide prevention efforts within American Indians/Alaska Natives, youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and military service members and veterans.

"I am heartened that we are focusing attention on communities hardest hit by suicide," alliance co-chair Gordon Smith said in a statement. "By shining a light on their struggles I am optimistic we can help them identify solutions and bring hope for a better tomorrow."

In the coming months, the Action Alliance will determine how to address suicide risk in other populations in which data indicate high or increasing rates of suicide or suicide attempts -- including Latina youths, older adults, people with disabilities, survivors of suicide attempts and of suicide loss, and working-age men and women.

All task forces will include leading experts in the field, including researchers and scientists, advocates, family members and others concerned about preventing suicides.

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is a public-private partnership launched by Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Robert M. Gates, secretary of defense, in September.