BEND, OR -- OSU-Cascades is one of 15 universities across the country to receive a grant to help prevent suicide in college age students.  Oregon has one of the nation's highest rates of suicide and this age group, in particular, can be vulnerable.  

OSU-Cascades associate professor Susan Keys says the $305,000 grant will be put to good use.  "Suicide is the second leading cause of death, so it's a major public health problem."  Keys says, "College campuses are a really good vehicle to reach a large segment of this population age group.  This [grant] will give us a great opportunity to look at prevention strategies and to promote good mental health on campus."  Keys chairs the Deschutes County Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.  

This grant will help create web-based suicide prevention information for students, faculty and staff and help train students in prevention methods.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in the U.S, age 18-25.