September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September 2016 is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month which helps promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide prevention, how you can help others and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people and is often the result of mental health conditions that effect people when they are most vulnerable. Suicidal thoughts and suicide occur too frequently but should not be considered common and can indicate more serious issues. In many cases the individuals, friends and families affected by suicide are left in dark, feeling shame or stigma that prevents talking openly about issues dealing with suicide.

• Know the Warning Signs and Risk of Suicide
• Preventing Suicide as a Family Member or Caregiver
• Being Prepared for a Crisis

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273 TALK (8255)

[Source:  COPrevent]

New commission will work to reduce Colorado’s high suicide rate

“Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. Last year, more than 1,000 Coloradans died by suicide. The state Legislature created the Suicide Prevention Commission of Colorado to help guide the state’s efforts in this area. Dr. Larry Wolk, executive director and chief medical officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, appointed commissioners Oct. 1, including representatives from state agencies, law enforcement, interfaith community, business, and the agriculture and ranching industries.

The commission begins meeting this month to identify statewide priorities in suicide prevention. The first meeting is October 17th 8:30am at Reading Room, Health Sciences Library, University of Colorado, Anschutz Campus. All meeting are open to the public. To learn more about statewide and local suicide prevention programs and events as well as resources in your area, visit  www.coosp.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1.800.273.TALK (8255). Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” [Source: COPrevent]

New Community Grants Funding for Suicide Prevention

“CDPHE's Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) is pleased to announce the availability of funds, through OSP state General Funds, to enhance suicide prevention programming and community organization efforts in Colorado.  For the project period of July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017, funding will be provided to selected communities for implementation and evaluation of OSP identified priority suicide prevention projects to be completed over a three-year funding period (years two and three are subject to available funding).

In 2013, the OSP identified strategic priorities through 2020. Priorities are data-driven and focus on high risk populations in the counties and regions of the state with the highest numbers and rates of suicide deaths and attempts. For the July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017 community grant program, the OSP will fund projects that implement strategies and programs that target high risk populations in areas of the state with high suicide death and attempt rates.  Information and the Request for Applications can be found on OSP’s website.

Applications must be received by 4:00pm (MST) March 10, 2014.  A technical assistance call is scheduled from 10:00-11:00am on February 26, 2014 to answer questions regarding the applications requirements. Conference Line: 712-432-02210, Pass code: 2589#.”  [Source:  COPrevent]

Mental Health Help Available for Coloradans Affected By Flooding

“The waters are receding, but for many in Colorado, the stress and sense of loss caused by the floods have not.  Because Coloradans experienced trauma, were displaced, lost homes or employment, and now are left to pick up the physical, financial and emotional pieces of their lives, many may be at an increased risk for suicide. Now is the time to be vigilant to the emotional needs of our neighbors who may have suffered a loss during this disaster.

The best and most immediate resource for those in crisis is the Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1.800.273.TALK (8255). 

For the friends, families, and professionals in the lives of those in crisis, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified resources for helping victims cope in the aftermath of a disaster: http://emergency.cdc.gov/mentalhealth.

Resources include:

• Talking to Children and Youth about Traumatic Events
• Helping Families Deal With the Stress of Relocation After a Disaster
• Preventing Violence after a Natural Disaster
• Coping Tips for Emergency and Disaster Responders
• Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters

Events like the Colorado floods are reminders that continued suicide prevention education and awareness is critical. People need to know when to ask for help for themselves, and how to intervene when others need help. Communities throughout Colorado provide suicide prevention training programs, and resources like Man Therapy provide information and tools for people hesitant to access traditional mental health services.

Learn more about suicide awareness and support resources from Mental Health America of Colorado.” [Source: COPrevent]