On Friday, September 10, HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties, Inc. will partner with the National Council for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention Resource Center and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day and the ‘Take 5 to Save Lives’ campaign.
Helpline of Delaware and Morrow Counties will celebrate Suicide Prevention Awareness on September 10. (Sergio Roberto Bichara/sxc)
Started nearly 50 years ago by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization, this day focuses public attention on suicide prevention and the unacceptable burden and costs of suicidal behaviors. The Take 5 to Save Lives campaign was developed to get people to “Take 5” to do something around suicide prevention including: learn the warning signs, help a friend, share the message with five others and more.
WHO estimates that nearly one million people will die by suicide every year, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 per 100,000 people or one death every 40 seconds. Additionally, for every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.
“HelpLine diligently works to provide community training and education on warning signs, assisting a suicidal person and reducing the stigma often associated with suicide,” said Sue Hanson, Executive Director of HelpLine.
“We also offer a 24-hour, 7 day a week support and information line and crisis intervention skills training for adults and a monthly Survivors of Suicide support group.”
HelpLine has also recently added its first-ever, full-time Suicide Prevention Coordinator through a grant funded by the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. Jason Colvin accepted this new role with primary responsibilities including community training and classroom prevention presentations to middle and high school age youth. Additionally, Colvin will engage community partners to meet mutual goals around suicide prevention, while facilitating the Survivors of Suicide support group.
“HelpLine is committed to investing in progressive educational programs and staff experts to ensure we create safe communities that can effectively respond to those in crisis.”
For more information on suicide prevention, call 1.800.684.2324 or visit us online.
Source: Helpline of Delaware and Morrow County
Thanks for posting Toby! I hope to see you at our 40th celebration on Thursday, Sept. 16 @ 6 p.m. at OWU, Benes Room.
Tamika Vinson
It is on my calendar Tamika. Hoping to be there.