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Prevention Principles

These principles are from "Suicide Prevention: Prevention, Effectiveness, and Evaluation" (Atlanta, GA: SPAN USA, 2001):

"Prevention programs should be designed to enhance protective factors."

"Family-focused prevention efforts may have a greater impact than strategies that focus only on individuals."

"Community programs need to strengthen norms that support help-seeking behavior in all settings, including family, work, school, and community."

"Prevention programming should be adapted to address the specific nature of the problem in the local community."

"Community programs that include media campaigns and policy changes are more effective when individual and family interventions accompany them."

These principles will guide the Task Force's efforts in Delaware County.