The Jason Foundation and the National Organization of Coaches Association Directors Join Together

Hendersonville, TN —  The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI), a national leader in youth suicide awareness and prevention programs, is joining with the National Organization of Coaches Association Directors (NOCAD) for an affiliation targeted to address the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide.  Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 in our nation.  One of the first projects between the two will be to provide an online training library on suicide awareness and prevention for all of NOCADs 38 member associations through JFI’s Coaches Assistance Program.  The NOCAD membership reaches more than 155,000 coaches across the country.

In the nation, according to the 2013 CDC Youth Risk Behavioral Survey, over 1 out of every 6 students responded that they had “seriously considered suicide in the past twelve months”. This same survey reports that over 1 out of 13 students reported attempting suicide within the past twelve months.

“We are excited about working with NOCAD to offer programs and materials that will provide information, tools and resources to their membership in raising awareness and helping to build prevention skills,” stated Clark Flatt, President of The Jason Foundation. “The fact that the NOCAD Board unanimously voted to affiliate with JFI only further cements the commitment they have to their student-athletes and student bodies as a whole.  As their unofficial motto states – Please Remember, Kids Need Coaches.”

NOCAD, in its 26^th year, has never before aligned itself with another non-coaching organization. “After hearing Clark Flatt’s presentation and statement of goals and procedures there was no doubt that we would seek affiliation,” said Phil Weaver, Executive Director of NOCAD.  “Within hours the unanimous vote was taken and the coaches of NOCAD had committed to helping The Jason Foundation work to reduce the terrible incidence of youth suicide in the United States.”

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational programs for young people, educators, parents, and other community groups.  JFI, headquartered in Hendersonville, TN, was founded in 1997 after the tragic death of Jason Flatt, the 16-year-old son of Clark Flatt.  For more information, please visit JFI’s website, http://www.jasonfoundation.com

National Organization of Coach Association Directors’ (NOCAD) chartered mission is to generate revenue and provide active support to the 38 member state associations for the benefit of their high schools’ multi-faceted student-related activities and athletic programs.  They continue to be resourceful in providing assistance for coaches and athletic associations.  NOCAD can be found at www.nocadcoaches.org.