September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
For members of the Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition, every day, 24/7 is a day in which to fight the causes of suicide. September offers the group an opportunity to reach out to the community at large to spotlight the growing health issue of suicide and the human suffering that drives the grim suicide statistics we face as a society.
For the first time in several years, the Coalition is inviting everyone who cares about the problem to join in a visible ‘show of solidarity against suicide’. It’s in the form of a “STAY; Your story’s not over” 5K Run/Walk being organized in downtown Baroda on Saturday, September 21. It’s the first time since before the Pandemic the group has sponsored such an event. And it marks a rededication to greater outreach and visibility for the Suicide Prevention Coalition in Berrien County.
The timing couldn’t be more appropriate. Suicide increased in Berrien County in 2023. 29 persons took their own lives, up about 30% over the past several years, according to the Berrien County Health Department.
The Coalition wants to do everything it can to prevent such statistics by offering support to those who might find themselves thinking about ending their life. They do that through a variety of services, resources and partnerships which can be found at the Coalition’s website: www.BerrienCares.org.
One of the most significant and easily accessible ‘interceptors’ to thoughts of suicide is the ‘988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.’ It’s a 24/7 hotline that puts the caller directly in touch via voice or text with a trained professional who can offer them support and alternatives to any action of self-harm.
Kristen Jones of the BCSPC talked with MoodyOnTheMarket.com about the 988 Lifeline in a 2023 interview that’s just as relevant today:
“988 is a lifeline. It’s something people in crisis should know about and use, and it’s a resource family and friends should know about, too. If you have a loved one who’s in crisis and they’re not reaching out for their own support, you can call 988 and find out what to do and how to get them support.”
Jones said the people answering the call are trained professionals who provide callers with tips on how to get through the moments before a crisis, cope during a crisis, and what to do after. 988 centers have a wealth of resources and ways of helping to support individuals who might otherwise feel like they’re alone. “They also have a fabulous website at 988LifeLine.org. They have resources and ways of helping to support individuals in crisis.”
“We really want the community to know that this is available, and it can literally be the difference between life and death. Nationally, we’ve seen a welcome increase in the number of call centers and counselors. There are statistics showing an increase in calls and a decrease in wait time over this past year. People can connect with counselors very quickly, and that makes a big difference.”
When someone calls 9-8-8, a trained counselor picks up and will talk with the individual to discuss whatever needs they might have. They have a list of available assistance resources. If the person calling is a counselor, a doctor, a nurse, or even a parent, 9-8-8 can guide them in what to do to help the individual in crisis.
The Coalition feels they are just beginning to achieve some awareness of the 988 Lifeline, just as it took several years for people to become accustomed to 911 as the universal emergency number after decades of many different local numbers. They hope their renewed outreach, highlighted by their sponsorship of the 5K Walk/Run September 21 in Baroda, will help bring a higher degree of awareness to their efforts to combat the causes of sujicide.
The Coalition reminds you of the fundamental reasons why Suicide Prevention is important:
- Prevention occurs at all levels of society—from the individual, family, and community levels to the broader social environment
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. (homicide is 16th)
- Suicide takes the lives of nearly 40,000 Americans every year
- An average of one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds worldwide
- For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is the second leading cause of death
- It is estimated there are 8 to 25 suicide attempts to each completed suicide
Besides perhaps participating in the “STAY; Your story’s not over” 5K Run/Walk this month, you might consider volunteering for BCSPC. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities and about the group’s monthly virtual meetings by calling : (269) 588-1133 or email: berriencaresmi@gmail.com BCSPC website: www.BerrienCares.org
