September 7th - September 13th, 2008 is National Suicide Prevention Week, a national event to raise awareness about suicide and suicidal behaviors and celebrate the efforts of all who are working to prevent suicide. Suicide is a major public health concern that affects our community at a local, state, national and international level with one person dying by suicide every 40 seconds worldwide. It is estimated that for every completed suicide there are 10 – 20 suicide attempts. The personal and financial toll of suicide and suicidal behavior affects individuals of all ages, genders, races and religions across our community.

Get involved! Please join us in the following National Suicide Prevention Week activities.

• Veterans, Family Members, Staff and Community Partners are Welcome to Participate in Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Activities at VA Ann Arbor Health System. Flyer

• Walk to Prevent Suicide, September, 14th, 2008 at Pioneer High School, 11:00 Registration, Walk begins at 12:00 PM. www.outofthedarkness.org 

Did you know?

• Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for young people age 15-24 (surpassed only by accidents and homicide).
• White males complete suicide four times more often than their female counter parts however, females make three to four times as many attempts.
• Elderly adults have rates of suicide close to 50% higher that that of the nation as a whole (all ages).
• Firearms remain the most commonly used suicide method among youth, accounting for 57% of completed suicides.
• Within a typical high school classroom, it is likely that three students (1 boy and 2 girls) have attempted suicide within that last year.

Focusing prevention strategies on protective factors such as emotional well-being and connectedness with family and friends is as effective or more effective than trying to reduce risk factors in the prevention of suicide.

Protective factors include:

· Strong family cohesion.

· Good coping skills.

· Academic achievement.

· Positive relationship with schools, peers, and an adult.

· A sense of self worth.

· Skills training that focuses on problem solving, coping and conflict resolution.

· Social activities.

· Access to effective counseling and health care.

Most people who are contemplating suicide display warning signs. Warning signs may include:

· Lose interest in hobbies.

· Give away prized possessions.

· Have attempted suicide before.

· Take unnecessary risks.

· Have recent severe loss.

· Be preoccupied with death and dying.

· Lose interest in their personal appearance.

· Prepare for death by making out a will and final arrangements.

· Increase their use of alcohol or drugs.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide get help. You can learn more by going to http://www.suicidology.org/associations/1045/files/Understanding.pdf or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For local help contact:

· 911.

· Washtenaw County Psychiatric Emergency Services (734)996-4747.

· Ozone House (734) 662-2222.

National Suicide Prevention Week represents a call for action and involvement by all individuals and organizations across our community to work together. Collaboratively we can indeed save lives and improve health in our community!

Additional Resources:

SPAN: Suicide Prevention Action Network:  www.spanusa.org

AFSP: American Foundation of Suicide Prevention: http://www.afsp.org/

AAS: American Association of Suicidology:  http://www.suicidology.org/

Michigan Suicide Prevention Resource Directory:   http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Michigan_Suicide_Prevention_Directory_final_165276_7.pdf