Naperville task force to address teen and young adult suicides

A new task force made up of numerous Naperville groups has been created to address the "growing epidemic of teen and young adult suicides," according to the Naperville Park District.

The task force includes representatives from Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, the Naperville Park District, the city of Naperville and the Forest Preserve Districts of DuPage and Will Counties.

The program, called Operation Disrupt, will use police and fire data to identify locations where suicide attempts have occurred in the past and may happen in the future.

Police officers who will patrol certain areas are being trained in what to do when they encounter someone who may be suicidal. Signs will be posted to let people know areas are being patrolled, and the signs will include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number and website.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to use data and to work collaboratively to address a very serious problem that's impacting communities across the country, including our own," Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said.