This document presents an overview of the issues involved in youth suicide which were considered by the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide assembled by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The findings of the task force are presented. The task force concluded that: (1) state of knowledge about youth suicide is much less developed than that of many other health problems; (2) acquiring this knowledge will require a program of focused research and a multidisciplinary approach; (3) rigorous evaluation of suicide prevention interventions is needed; and (4) an effective approach to suicide prevention will need to involve committed individuals in both the public and private sector. Six recommendations are included which address the most urgent needs for research, education, and services to prevent youth suicide. These recommendations call for: (1) developing accurate, timely, and valid data on suicide and attempted suicide; (2) conducting multidisciplinary research to determine and evaluate the risk factors for suicide; (3) evaluating the effectiveness and cost of interventions to prevent suicide; (4) supporting the delivery of suicide prevention services; (5) informing and educating the public and health service providers about current knowledge in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of suicide among youth; and (6) involving both public and private sectors in the prevention of youth suicide. The appendix includes a list of the members of the task force and alternatives; a list of the work group members; and a list of commissioned papers. (ABL)