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September is Suicide Prevention Month

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September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Unfortunately, our region continues to experience an increase in the number of individuals who need support and care. A recent study shows the majority of adults (94%) believe that suicide can be prevented, at least some of the time, and 96% of adults in the U.S. would take action if someone close to them were thinking about suicide. 

There is hope. We are listening. 

As a behavioral healthcare provider here in Bradenton, Florida, our teams at Suncoast Behavioral Health Center and Palm Shores Behavioral Health Center are dedicated to #BeThere in a manner that promotes connectedness. Culturally relevant services, evidence-based treatments and support are available. 

It is imperative that we equip our community with hope, resilience and the tools to feel empowered. People needing help can contact:  

  • 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that provides 24/7 confidential support. Text, chat or call today. Trained crisis counselors are ready to serve. 
  • The Veterans Crisis Line for U.S. Military Veterans, call 988, press 1. 
  • Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth, at 1-866-488-7386. 

You can help save a life.

Bill Jordan is Group CEO of Suncoast Behavioral Health Center and Palm Shores Behavioral Health Center.

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  • WTF

    Remember our Veterans who are still homeless and struggling in Manatee County. .... Suicide Among Veterans A major, yet preventable health problem in the U.S. is suicide.1 Sadly, Veterans comprise nearly a quarter of suicide deaths in the U.S Suicidal Warning Signs In 2020, there were 6,146 Veteran suicides, which averages to 16.8 Veterans dying by suicide every day.2

    Additionally, in the two decades between 2001 and 2020, the prevalence of mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) among participants using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) rose from 27.9% to 41.9%. Comparing the rate among women Veterans to non-Veteran adult women, the rate is 2.5 times higher.5 In 2017, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) reported the highest suicide rate among women using VA health services at 20 per 100,000. Since 2017, however, that number has decreased and was recorded to be approximately 14 per 100,000 in 2020.2

    Suicide rates have been historically high among young Veterans and older Veterans as well. In the 20 years between 2001 and 2020, the suicide rate among Veterans between the ages of 18 and 34 increased by 95.3%. During that same time period, the suicide rate among Veterans between the ages of 55 and 74 rose 58.2%. From 2019-2020, however, the suicide rate for older Veterans decreased while the suicide rate among Veterans in the 18-34 age group increased.2

    About 17 Veterans commit suicide a day.2

    https://americanaddictioncenters.org/veterans/suicide-among-veterans

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