A suicide prevention programme that reaches out to students in need has been restarted at American Samoa's Community College.
Photo: 123rf.com
Training is underway for staff who will run the 'You Are Not Alone' support programme.
It was restarted after a recent spike of suicides among young people.
Four teenagers and young adults have taken their own lives during the past four months in the US territory.
Community college president Rosevonne Pato said staff running the programme would be trained to recognise early warning signs
"What we do is work with the students to be able to know the signs, and work with their peers in addressing some of the issues that may lead up to the possibility of suicide," Pato said.
"This is a territorial issue, we have to all join in in the prevention of suicide. We can't ignore it or leave it to somebody else."
The programme's counselors would assist anyone in need, Pato said.
Peer mentors would be also available to talk with people not comfortable speaking to counselors.
In response to the spike, American Samoa's Health Department two weeks ago launched a new suicide prevention hotline and public awareness programs.
Meanwhile, education director Ruth Matagi-Tofiga said her department was ready to assist health officials bring awareness to schools, including through sports programs.
She said workshops and training would be available to all school principals to help them identify signs that lead to suicide.
Where to get help
These are services across the Pacific for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
In American Samoa:
252-3502 or 770-1571
In Tonga:
Lifeline 23000 or 25144
In Fiji:
Lifeline 667 0565
Fiji Womens' Crisis Centre 3313300 (24 hours) Mobile: 9209470
In Papua New Guinea:
Lifeline Port Moresby 326 0011
1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain 7150 8000
In Samoa:
Samoa Lifeline 800-5433
In the Cook Islands:
Te Kainga O Pa Taunga 20162
