In a report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate for the top ten leading causes of death has decreased or held steady – except the tenth leading cause of death in the United States – suicide. From the last time this data was made available in 2011, the national suicide rate rose two percent to 12.6 suicide deaths per 100,000 in 2012.
While suicide is a leading cause of death, it is preventable. As a nation, we have a mental health crisis. To reverse the trend of suicide increasing, we need to invest in research, education, and support policy that helps people with mental disorders get the help they need. We need to talk openly and honestly about this serious but preventable health issue.
The CDC collects data about mortality in the U.S., including deaths by suicide. While the latest CDC reports show a continued rise in the suicide rate through 2012, it’s important to note that the data for 2013 and 2014 have not yet been released making it difficult to identify the most current trends.
Precious Life Crusade Teen Suicide Prevention (PLC,www.preciouslifeservices.com) is a not-for-profit organization in Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. To fully achieve its mission, PLC engages in the following;
- Offers educational programs for professionals
- Educates the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention
- Promotes policies and legislation that impact suicide and prevention
- Provides programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk, and involves them in the work of the Foundation
Led by President and Founder, Nancy Turner and headquartered in Seguin, Texas , PLC has local events to bring about awareness of the following:
- Warning signs leading to suicide
- Steps to take to be an advocate
- Available resources to help someone who may be contemplating suicide
Review our website at http://www.preciouslifeservices.com to learn more about PLC’s life-saving work. Join the conversation on suicide prevention by following PLC on Facebook and Twitter
Thank you for visiting our blog. Remember, life is precious and someone does care…be well and live…
Precious Life Crusade Teen Suicide Prevention 