Five teen suicides this school year – including three in the past month – have jolted the community. It’s the highest number in the history of Spokane Public Schools, prompting parents, students and community members to ask what they can do to help. “There’s an increased need. I see the whole community hurting,” said Sabrina Votava, Spokane’s Youth Suicide Prevention Program field coordinator. “It’s affected all the schools, even districts outside of Spokane.” There have been other teen suicides in Spokane County; however, officials don’t have a firm count since the start of the year. Suicide among teens and young adults averages about 1 death every six weeks, according to Spokane Regional Health District records of 15- to 24-year-olds from 2005 to 2009/Jody Lawrence Turner, SR. More here.

Question: What can the average parent or family do to prevent this tragedy from happening in their families or among their children's friends?