While the suicide rates in New Jersey are among the lowest in the nation, suicide remains a significant cause of preventable mortality. Suicide is a serious public health problem that causes immeasurable pain, suffering, and loss to individuals, families, and communities nationwide. The causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, such as mental illness, substance abuse, painful losses, exposure to violence, and social isolation.
New Jersey has developed the Traumatic Loss Coalitions (TLC) which exist in all 21 counties. The dual mission of the TLC is excellence in suicide prevention and trauma response assistance to schools following unfortunate losses due to suicide, homicide, accident and illness. This is accomplished through county, regional and statewide conferences, training, consultation, onsite traumatic loss response, and technical assistance.
Individuals seeking assistance can contact the Traumatic Loss Coalitions through their website or at 732-235-2810.