First ever Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - “Society’s view of suicide and suicidal behaviors is evolving from seeing such behavior as an individual act directly affecting a single person, to a societal event in which the suicide of one individual affects many facets of a community - a community then must accept a leading role in preventing its occurrence.The extent of suicidal behavior is now seen as a reflection of the overall health and welfare of the community, and many communities have made it a priority concern.” – National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
Have you been touched by suicide? Are you a survivor yourself, or through a loved one, friend, family members, co-workers? Do you work with suicidal clients? Suicides not only affect the individual but the whole community. In Massachusetts suicide deaths are three times the rate of homicides deaths. The suicide rate in rural areas like Berkshire County is higher compared to other areas of the state. Yet evidence-based research shows that suicide is preventable. The CHNA Youth Suicide Prevention Project is forming a coalition in Berkshire County to help reduce the suicide rate in our community. We call on all Berkshire County residents to get involved and take initiative – youth, professionals, public officials, and concerned citizens.
The forming of the coalition is an effort to network & create partnerships to increase awareness of suicide as a preventable public heath problem, reduce the stigma associated with suicide, influence the provision of services directed at populations at high-risk of suicide, and create strategies to reduce the incidence of suicide
The first ever Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Top of the Plaza, on Tuesday November 17th, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Refreshments will be served.
To join the Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention, or for more information, please RSVP by November 13th to Jon Phillips, Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator at (413) 447-2417 or jphillips@berkshireahec.org.
