If someone asked you what the third leading cause of death was for people under age 25, would you know?

Teen suicide has been a major social concern in recent years, but many people are startled by the news that the suicide rate for children age 10 to 14 has more than doubled in the 15 years. This means that a parent loses a son or daughter to suicide every 1 hour and 45 minutes, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Several nonprofits are teaming up to help prevent teens from taking their own lives. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities and the PBS series, "In the Mix," in a campaign to distribute anti-suicide materials to every public high school in America. Their goal: to reach over 13.5 million U.S. high school students with the message.

The kit includes a video, "Depression: On the Edge." The program is hosted by members of rock band Third Eye Blind, who reveals the meaning of their song "Jumper," how it relates to suicide, and how each of them handles depression. The band agreed to participate because they understood that young people often look to them as role models.

Additionally, the video features a segment by Dr. Belisa Lazano-Vranich of the National Mental Health Association, on recognizing the symptoms of depression and where teens can get help.

Ronald McDonald House Charities funded production and distribution of the kit, as part of the more than $7 million given by the group to suicide prevention organizations since 1992. The nonprofit also has provided a grant to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to fund an advertising campaign targeting teenagers. The campaign includes a series of public service announcements (PSAs) running in more than 600 Loews Cineplex Movie Theaters nationwide.

For more information on the video, call (212)684-3940.

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