September is National Suicide Prevention Month
The state Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch (EMSIPSB) and the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Force are taking action to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month. Events will be held statewide throughout September to call attention to this issue.
In Hawaii, one person dies from suicide every two days. Suicide is the leading cause of fatal injuries for those ages 15 to 64 and is the tenth leading cause of all deaths in the state. From 2016 to 2020, 957 Hawaii residents died from suicide.
“Suicide is a serious, complex and preventable public health issue,” said Alvin C. Bronstein, MD, chief of the Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Branch. “Suicide prevention requires a strategic and comprehensive approach, including outreach and stakeholder collaboration, to ensure resources are available to those most in need. This is especially important during the pandemic.”
This year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Hawaii Chapter’s “Out of Darkness Experience” will be held virtually statewide on Saturday at 9 a.m. This annual event is designed to increase awareness of suicide prevention resources and provide support for at-risk individuals, loved ones of suicide survivors and the public. To register for the “Out of Darkness Experience,” visit Hawaii Virtual Walk.
“Our goal is to raise suicide prevention awareness statewide and inform everyone about the support services available,” said Renee Yu, Department of Health suicide prevention coordinator. “These services include suicide prevention training for healthcare professionals, survivor outreach, and family member support.”
Depression, anxiety and isolation are risk factors and warning signs of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these feelings on a regular basis, or if the frequency or severity of the feelings is increasing, reach out for help right away by talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.
Mental health professionals are trained to help people feel better before a mental health condition progresses into suicidal thoughts. Minors 14 years of age or older can consent to outpatient mental health without the permission, knowledge or participation of their parents or legal guardians, upon consultation and agreement of their licensed therapist.
The Hawaii CARES help line is a free, 24/7 coordination center for support with substance use, mental health, and crisis intervention. Locally trained and qualified clinical and crisis call center staff provide supportive counseling, screening for urgent or emergent mental health or substance use needs, recommendations for behavioral health assessments, and services and crisis interventions. Any Hawaii resident may call Hawaii CARES at 1 (800) 753-6879.
The Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 crisis counseling. Text ALOHA to 741741, and you will be connected with a live, trained Crisis Counselor who will respond to you on a secure online platform. For more information, visit https://www.crisistextline.org.
To learn more about suicide prevention in Hawaii, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/suicide-prevention/information.