Once a school system has resolved to introduce suicide awareness education into the curriculum, many philosophical and pragmatic questions about program goals, content, and format must be addressed. This document discusses several of these issues, including: (1) who should receive suicide awareness programs; (2) who should conduct suicide awareness programs; (3) what are realistic objectives for awareness programs; (4) what specific information and skills should be taught; (5) what modifications must be made to make programs relevant to special populations; (6) what are the most effective program designs; (7) how should programs be integrated into existing school curriculum; (8) how can programs insure that trainers are adequately prepared to teach about suicide; and (9) how does suicide awareness education differ from other high risk health topics. Skills needed by parents, teachers, counselors, and students are discussed and it is recommended that suicide prevention programs begin before children reach adolescence. (NB)