• 66,772 young people suffering from serious mental illness with significant functional impairment.
  
  (1999, Report of the U.S. Surgeon General & 2008, U.S. Census Estimates)

Among adolescents 12 to 17 years old in South Carolina:

• 8% suffered an episode of major depression

• 5% experienced illicit drug dependence or abuse

• 5% experienced alcohol dependence or abuse
  
  (2006-2007, SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health Promotion)

ADOLESCENT SUICIDE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 11 to 21 year-olds. Between 1999 and 2006, 301 of these young people died by suicide. (CDC, WISQARS Database)

• High school students reported in 2007 that within the last 12-month period:
  • 27 % felt sad and hopeless enough over a two-week period to halt usual activity
  • 15 % thought seriously about suicide
  • 12% made a suicide plan
  • 7 % attempted suicide
  • 3% made a suicide attempt that required medical attention
    (CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance)