OREGON: Dozens of Oregon Media Outlets Collaborated on Suicide Prevention Coverage — Here’s What They Learned.

Poynter

In April, dozens of Oregon news outlets collaborated on an in-depth series about suicide. Called “Breaking the Silence,” the series produced 72 articles featuring a wide variety of stories. Topics included suicide among construction workers, postpartum suicide, attempt survivors, and a local Zero Suicide initiative. Participating journalists followed evidence-based recommendations for reporting on suicide, highlighted stories of hope and healing, and included prevention resources in their coverage. Freelance writer Carol Cruzan Morton said she learned a lot about how to cover suicide safely. “A real fear was taking care to not increase suicides,” said Morton. “The stronger hope was to prevent some.” Breaking the Silence partners are considering launching another round of stories for Suicide Prevention Month in September.

Spark Extra! Read Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide.