New National Suicide Prevention Strategy

U.S. officials launch a new national strategy aimed at suicide prevention.

FOX News Radio’s Pam Puso reports:

It’s a growing problem that U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin sums up like this:

(Benjamin) “Suicide is everybody’s business.”

As part of the initiative, staffing at the nation’s crisis hotline will jump 50%. And about $56 million in grant money will fund prevention programs.

(Benjamin) “Every day 100 people die from suicide.”

Social media will also play a part. Facebook will let users report suicidal comments posted by their friends. Then the website will send potential victims an email urging them to seek counseling.

Of particular concern, the nation’s veterans. There were more than 17,000 suicide attempts among veterans last year.

Pam Puso, FOX News Radio.