KAILUA-KONA — Suicide. It’s a subject nobody wants to talk about, yet nearly everyone on the island knows someone who has been affected by it.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and the West Hawaii Suicide Prevention Task Force wants to get people to start talking.
The task force held a vigil Friday afternoon to remember those affected by this tragedy.
“We are here to remember in a loving way individuals who chose suicide, along with survivors and loved ones who are processing their grief,” said Nancy Sallee, task force chairperson.
Every other day someone in the State of Hawaii takes their own life, with the Big Island having the highest rate. Sallee attributes the high rate to it being a very remote location.
“It’s a big island. People aren’t as nestled together as in more urban areas, which makes it easier for people to get lost emotionally.”
Sallee added that for every successful suicide there are six to eight attempts. Fourteen- to 24-year-olds are the most susceptible age group, yet resources are lacking.
There are no adolescent facilities on the island for at risk teens, and those who have attempted to take their own life are separated from their families and flown to an Oahu hospital for treatment. Once they return home, there is a lack of psychiatrists on island for follow-up,
The task force is working with state representatives to try to change that.
“Representative (Richard) Creagan has been advocating for a university hospital on the west side with a psych ward, especially for adolescents.” said Sallee. But, she added, that’s going to take time and money.
In the interim, Sallee and her task force are trying to get the word out about resources that are available now, such as the suicide prevention hot line. The hot line not only provides an ear for those contemplating ending their life, but also a place where family members and persons dealing with grief from suicide can be heard by trained mental health professionals.
Rick Ruchty, Outreach Coordinator for the Kona Vet Center, said that it is estimated 21 veterans per day nationwide take their own life. When a vet calls the national VA hotline, the local office follows up with them within 24 hours to make sure they have the tools they need to deal with their situation.
For more information and resources available visit www.preventsuicidekona.com
The Suicide prevention hotline is available 24 hours a day. (800) 753-6879.