New Resource Center provides a central source for youth violence and suicide prevention information

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control announced today the launch of a new web-based resource for people interested in learning more about preventing youth violence and suicide. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center will serve as a central source for prevention information gathered from institutions, community-based organizations and federal agencies.

The Resource Center, designed and developed in partnership with the White House Council on Youth Violence, features a Web site, a toll-free hotline, and a fax-on-demand service. It offers access to information about prevention programs, publications, research and statistics, fact sheets and more.

"In 1998, more than 3,400 people under 19 years old died from violence-related injuries. As a result, we find that parents, teachers, students, researchers and many others are becoming increasingly involved in identifying ways to reduce the spread of violence in their communities. We believe the Resource Center will give them the information they need to do that more effectively," said Rodney Hammond, Ph. D., director of the Division of Violence Prevention for the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

The Resource Center’s web site is www.safeyouth.org. In addition to serving the needs of public health professionals, the site includes separate sections for parents and teens. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, by calling 1-866-SAFEYOUTH (1-866-723-3968.) Fax-on-demand service is available at all times.

CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.