From Dr. Broderick
Suicide Prevention: Increasing Awareness Saves Lives
The rise in suicides across our Nation is a public health issue of increasing concern to each and every one of us.
As evidenced by the extraordinary growth in calls to SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and the groundswell of public and press attention the Lifeline and other suicide prevention efforts generated this past year, a new public consensus is emerging about how we can face this public health challenge.
Suicide is no longer considered a shameful personal matter, best ignored by society or considered to be inevitable.
Rather, thanks largely to the efforts of crisis counselors, helpline volunteers, and mental health professionals, more and more Americans now understand that suicide is a public health crisis that needs to be confronted openly and actively prevented.
At the vanguard of the national effort to bring help and hope to those who most desperately need it are the community clinics and campus counselors who work tirelessly to get the word out that help is available and recovery is possible. The SAMHSA News cover story highlights the progress of one of our Campus Suicide Prevention program grantees.
SAMHSA is relying on programs like these to get the word out and develop enhanced methods for promoting life-saving services. Most important, those individuals who need help are learning that it’s okay to ask for help. And, it’s okay for friends and families to ask for help, too.
Suicide Prevention: New Media Increase Options
The Grahams: Commitment to Suicide Prevention, Mental Health
Substance Abuse & Suicide: White Paper Explores Connection
Preventing Suicide on College Campuses