Suicide prevention grant to benefit Lyon, Hickman counties

Kentucky has been awarded a grant aimed at reducing suicide among young people, and two western Kentucky counties will directly benefit.

Governor Andy Beshear announced on Thursday that Kentucky received a $3.6 million Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention grant, awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The grant provides $735,000 per year for five years and will advance the Kentucky Strategic Allies Fostering Empowerment of Today's Youth project. The project identifies young people at risk for suicide and connects them with care.

The initial implementations will take place in Hickman, Lyon, Clinton, and Hart counties. Each location was selected based on suicide attempt rates among middle and high school students.

The program will additionally implement Youth Mental Health First Aid, Question, Persuade, Refer, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training in youth-serving agencies.

Officials say a key component of the project is providing first responders with internet-equipped tablets for use during behavioral health emergencies to ensure near-immediate access to care.

The program is set to begin on September 30.