National Suicide Prevention Week

Smith County has a 14.1 per 100,000 suicide rate, which is notably higher than the statewide rate of 10.99  per 100,000. That's not a huge number, but for those of us touched by suicide, there is nothing more tragic.

This week, September 8 through 14, is National Suicide Prevention Week. DSHS has a great presentation that teaches us how to engage the people we meet who may be considering suicide, and I was told they would be happy to come to schools, churches, etc., to train people. If you are interested, contact Dreka Strickland (Dreka DOT Strickland AT dshs DOT state DOT tx DOT us)

Here are some other great resources available for you:

• ASK about Suicide to Save a Life app for mobile devices can help you save a life with information about warning signs, how to ask and crisis lines, including 800-273-8255, the national Lifeline. 
• Coming Together to Care: Suicide Prevention and Postvention Toolkit for Texas Communities (PDF)
• Texas Suicide Prevention
• American Association of Suicidology 2014 Press and Information Kit (PDF)

 
 

Photo from Time Magazine--click photo to go to source.