Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for more than 47,500 deaths in 2019.

In 2019, 12 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a plan to die by suicide, and 1.4 million attempted suicides according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. There are many factors that contribute to suicide. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience.

•  Know the Warning Signs

• How you can Help

·         Show you care: “I’m concerned about you.”

·         Listen without judging or giving advice

·         Take all talk of suicide seriously

·         Stay calm and stay with the person.

·         Ask directly about suicide: “Are you thinking about suicide?” You will NOT put the idea of suicide into someone’s head by asking this question. Get help. Do not leave the person. Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text LOU to 741741 to connect to a trained Crisis Counselor.