National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 7-13. Why?

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. Suicides outnumber homicides by over 15,000 deaths per year nationally. One in 60 Americans has lost a loved one to suicide. South Carolina has over 500 suicides a year, out of 12,500 attempts. Teens succeed at suicide every 100 attempts; the elderly are much more efficient, succeeding one in every four tries.

Most of us have known someone who has either attempted or committed suicide. Suicide is a cry for help and a sign of hopelessness and despair. The key to preventing suicide is recognizing the warning signs, such as hopelessness and isolation, engaging the person in discussion, and referring the person for help. Suicide can be prevented by observing others and caring enough to help the person in need with friendship and referral to a professional.

The Cherokee Mental Health Association in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health is sponsoring free one-hour training in suicide prevention for the public. Sessions will be held every Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at Conference Room B of the DMH Center at 127 N. Robinson St. The sessions will include audiovisual presentations led by Mary Beth Hyatt of the center and Dr. Cliff Patrick of the Cherokee MHA. The training involves the QPR (Question- Persuade-Refer) system being promoted nationally by the Mental Health America with which Cherokee MHA is affiliated. Each participant will receive a QPR booklet to refresh themselves as needed after finishing the course.

This suicide prevention (QPR) training will also be available free to organizations in the community, including businesses, schools, churches, social clubs, law enforcement, and other groups. To schedule a one-hour training session for your organization, call Dr. Patrick at 864-582-5164, or Hyatt, at 864-487-2710. All participants will receive course booklets for their use.

This suicide prevention training is intended for parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, counselors, teachers, ministers, EMS workers, doctors, nurses, and co-workers who care enough to help others and who come in contact with those discouraged with living.