The approach to suicide prevention described here focuses on the development of a comprehensive program that parallels a public health model. The main objective of this model would be to significantly reduce or eliminate the incidence of self- destructive behaviors among students. This two-pronged approach would develop in students the knowledge, attitudes, and skills which reduce vulnerabilities and promote competencies in regard to optimal mental health, while simultaneously modifying the school environment in order to foster positive, adaptive behaviors. Three critical elements of effective primary prevention include basic academic and intellectual competencies, core values that underlie good citizenship, and knowledge about the problems that adolescents face. The curriculum must help students to identify behaviors which are violent, abusive, or otherwise harmful; to resist being exploited in any way; to develop problemsolving skills; and to build their self-esteem. Elements of a successful program include creating a trained crisis response team and teaching staff, carefully selecting teachers to present the curriculum, providing sufficient in-service training to teachers, team- teaching the classes, teaching the material early in the day, obtaining parental permission for student participation in the curriculum, and deciding what material to present to students. 15 references