State health dept. urges awareness, education during National
Suicide Prevention Week
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[September 12, 2013]
CHICAGO -- Suicide is the
10th-leading cause of death in the United States, and it fluctuates
between the second- and third-leading cause of deaths among
adolescents in Illinois. However, Illinois Department of Public
Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck says that suicide is a preventable
public health threat and that greater understanding and assistance
is needed for those in crisis.
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This week, Sept. 8-14, is the 39th annual National Suicide
Prevention Week, and Sept. 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day.
Globally, almost 1 million die from suicide each year -- about one
death every 40 seconds. An estimated 5 million living Americans have
attempted suicide. In Illinois, suicide is the 11th-leading cause of
death overall, and the estimated cost of suicide and medically
treated youth suicide attempts in Illinois is $539 million.
"It is essential to bring awareness to the public health threat
of suicide. Suicide is preventable," Dr. Hasbrouck said. "It is
critical to let those who are in crisis know that they are not alone
and that help is available. If you or anyone you know is considering
suicide, there are resources available to help. Call the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)."
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Other Illinois suicide statistics
include:
-
More than 1,000
die by suicide each year -- exceeding the number of deaths by
homicide or HIV.
-
Thirteen percent
of suicide deaths occur among youth ages 15-24.
-
Suicide rates are
four times higher for males than females.
-
Firearm suicide deaths account for 39
percent of suicides.
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In 2007, the Department of Public Health released the first
Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan, which included key
recommendations to reduce suicide and its stigma through awareness,
education and collaborative support efforts with organizations
statewide. Since then, IDPH launched the "It Only Takes One" suicide
prevention public awareness campaign, and last year received a
federal youth suicide prevention grant to administer training to
middle schools, high schools and institutions of higher education on
how to identify, approach and refer students showing signs of
psychological distress.
[Text from
Illinois Department of Public
Health file received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
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