KTAR News 92.3 FM’s ‘Bruce & Pamela Show’ discusses issue of teen suicides

PHOENIX — Suicide among children, teenagers and young adults is a major problem that Arizona is facing.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 to 14 in Arizona in 2017 was suicide.

In the East Valley alone, 38 students have taken their lives in the last year and a half.

Some efforts are being taken at the state Legislature, including Gov. Doug Ducey’s push to hire 220 new social workers and counselors over the next two years, to combat these statistics, but parents and school officials say it isn’t enough.

In order to address this epidemic, KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes Show hosted an hour-long discussion on the topic of teen suicide in Arizona.

Two experts, Dr. Aaron Krasnow, a clinical psychologist and associate vice president for Arizona State University’s counseling services, and Katey McPherson, a Chandler-based digital wellness consultant, joined the show to discuss.

Editor’s note: If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call Teen Lifeline at 800-248-8336 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7 at 800-273-8255.