Suicide Is A Local Issue

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and local suicide prevention groups have been raising awareness through events and suicide prevention campaigns.

Kristi Conforti, Mental Health Services Act Coordinator with Tuolumne County Behavioral Health, was Friday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.

On September 2nd, The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors made a proclamation recognizing one week in September as Suicide Prevention Week.

On Thursday September 25th, the Tuolumne County Suicide Prevention Task Force will
hold the 5th Suicide Prevention Summit “Building Bridges to Hope” from 8am-1:30 pm
at the Sonora Elks Lodge. As of this morning, only four of the one hundred ten available tickets were still available.

There has been a one month long “Know the Signs” promotion that is a joint campaign between Calaveras and Tuolumne County. The promotion aims to increase the public’s knowledge about the signs of suicide and how to provide hope and reassurance for that may need help.

The suicide prevention groups have also been using social technology to prevent suicide. The MY3 app  is a smartphone application that provides suicide prevention support. The
mobile app helps designate a safety plan and a network of people that someone can
reach and keep connected with when in need of support.

Mother Lode Survivors of Suicide Loss support group meets on the 4th Tuesday of every
month.

Seven thousand “Know the Signs” tent cards are being distributed in prescription bags in local pharmacies during the month of September. These cards are designed to help family and friends identify signs to indicate someone they care about is having thoughts of suicide and provides information on local and national crisis lines.

The YES Partnership is a community collaborative that supports local efforts in suicide
prevention, substance abuse, and child abuse.

How serious is the issue locally? Tuolumne County has the fourth highest rate per capita of suicide in all of California.

The September activities seek to provide an opportunity for open dialogue and educate the community about risk factors, warning signs, and available resources and support for those struggling with suicide or loss.

For more information on this month’s promotions call 209-533-1397. For local crisis intervention or walk-in service call: 20-533-7000 or log on to www.KnowtheSigns.com and/or www.my3app.org

The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard every weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 AM.