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National Suicide Prevention Week 2009
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This week, September 6-12, marks the 35th annual National Suicide Prevention Week and Thursday, September 10th is considered World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide is a major public health concern even among youth. According to the American Association of Suicidology, in 2006, 216 children ages 10 to 14 committed suicide in the U.S. In fact, suicide rates for children between the ages of 10-14 increased over 50% between 1981 and 2006. Approximately 11.5 youth suicides occur every day and suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15- to 24-years-olds. Teen Lifeline indicates that Arizona ranks first in the U.S. for teens who commit suicide using guns. These startling statistics indicate the need for a greater focus on mental health issues especially among at-risk populations like adolescents.
Events like Suicide Prevention Week help to increase awareness about the issue of suicide throughout the country. The efforts of local organizations like the Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition and Teen Lifeline provide support and education to the community year-round. This week, however, they will be particularly busy as they help citizens identify the warning signs of suicide and explain where to obtain help. For instance, Teen Lifeline is collaborating with other Arizona groups to hold the 9th annual Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness Week which will consist of school-based rallies held throughout the valley in addition to a community rally on Friday evening at Desert Ridge. Additionally, on September 8-9, the Gila River Indian Community will conduct a suicide first aid interactive workshop called Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). Sponsored by the Bob Stump VA Medical Center Suicide Prevention Program, a presentation called Why People Die by Suicide: A New Model of Suicidal Behavior with Clinical Implications will be given on September 9th and 10th. On September 11th, Community Partnership of Southern Arizona will conduct a training session known as SafeTALK. SafeTALK is intended to ensure that people experiencing suicidal thoughts are acquainted with those who are qualified to intervene. Please visit the Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition website for additional details about this week's suicide prevention events.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
http://www.afsp.org/
Arizona Suicide Prevention Alert:
http://www.arizonasuicidepreventionalert.org/
Empact Suicide Prevention Center:
Prevent Suicide.net:
http://www.preventsuicide.net/
Yellow Ribbon.org: For the Prevention of Teen Suicide:
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