Sept. 5 Marks Beginning of Suicide Prevention Week
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 5 through 11, the Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 15. The coalition will meet at the Brien Center, First Floor Conference Room, 333 East St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Those interested in attending should RSVP by Sept. 13.The mission of the coalition is to save lives through building resilience in the community, educating the public and strengthening the response to community need. According to the American Association of Suicidology, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, with one suicide occurring on average every 15.2 minutes; suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year-olds.
The elderly make up 12.6 percent of the population, but comprise 15.7 percent of all suicides. Some 864,950 Americans attempt suicide each year. It is estimated that five million living Americans have attempted to kill themselves. Every year in the United States, more than 17,000 men and women kill themselves with a gun; two- thirds more than the number who use a gun to kill another person. An estimated 4.6 million Americans are survivors of the suicide of a friend, family member or loved one.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Registry of Vital Records and Statistics indicates that the number of suicides in Berkshire County from 2002-2006 was six times the rate of homicide. If you of someone you know is in immediate danger call 911; for those in crisis, Berkshire County has a 24-hour crisis number at 413-499 0412 or 800-252-0227.
To join the Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention, or for more information and to RSVP, contact Bear McHugh, Youth Suicide Prevention project coordinator at 413-447-2417, ext. 1111 or bmchugh@berkshireahec.org.
