One year ago, The Deseret Morning News published a six-day series titled "Teen suicide: Utah's grim reality." The project explored the dynamic of suicide — often blanketed by a taboo of silence — and the implications for an issue that the Utah Department of Health considers to be of epidemic proportions in the state. Every week, six Utahns kill themselves.

The new plan details 10 goals toward preventing suicides.

"Now it requires that we implement it," Wittwer said, and everyone should have a role. "Whether you are an individual, an organization, an agency or a legislator, there is something for everyone to do."

Roles are spelled out for clergy, schools, law enforcement and public education and awareness.

Cherie Burton, 38, has worked hard on the State Suicide Prevention Council and has carried her sister's memory with her during the effort. Two years ago, after a long history of depression, mental-health concerns and prescription-drug addiction, Burton's sister took her life.

Shawna Nielson was a 34-year-old mother of five children. She left behind children ages 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12. Her family knew she was in distress, but they were still shocked when police called to say the woman had overdosed on prescription medication in a hotel room.

She left a message for her husband. "In her mind, it was an act of love," Burton said. "She felt like she was relieving everyone of the burden of having her around."

Burton's sister has been with her as she's worked with dozens of others on the suicide plan. "Prevention is at the forefront of my mind, and she was in my mind. She was guiding me. What would she say now? What would she want the message to be?"

A suicide reverberates long after a person dies, Wittwer said. "It's just devastating what it does to families and communities."

---

E-mail: lucy@desnews.com