I recently lost a friend. Although I am 66 years old, this beautiful 13-year-old was my friend, and she ended her own life. This tragedy has left a family with an incomprehensible loss.

We, as a caring community, must do something to protect our young people. Sure, education on this subject is happening, but without sufficient funds, we cannot reach every school, and when we do educate, it has to be a continuing effort. It has to be a commitment until we eradicate this tragedy.

This education must be embraced by all of us in this community, all levels of media, all educators, all medical professionals, and we parents and grandparents.

Let us eradicate this senseless loss.

Linda M. Dixon

Liberty Lake