Suicide is a leading cause of death in Washington state and one of the primary drivers of maternal mortality. Suicide Prevention Month offers an opportunity to provide education and to highlight that small actions make a meaningful difference.
Hospitals can play a vital role in Suicide Prevention Month by sharing education with staff, promoting resources and engaging in community awareness events. At Lourdes Behavioral Health, they have done all three.
Staff took part in creating five short videos covering the five steps to take if someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide. They leveraged their website and social media presence to share information about the importance of talking about suicide prevention. Lourdes staff are also joining the Take Strides Tri-Cities Suicide Prevention Walk next week. These are all great opportunities to spread awareness. For hospitals, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides an easy toolkit for event promotion.
Discussing suicide can be uncomfortable, but silence may leave those struggling feeling isolated and alone. Everyone can learn simple strategies to open a conversation. If you’re unsure where to begin, start with LEARN skills to help talk with a friend or loved one.
Another way strengthen your ability to respond is by finding Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings in your area. The Area Health Education Center Western Washington also offers a free virtual MHFA training and welcomes registrations from all Washingtonians.
Together, we can break the silence, reduce stigma, and save lives.
Sincerely,
Brittany Weiner
WSHA Director, Opioid Stewardship and Behavioral Health
[email protected]