SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and this year the King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), is encouraging community advocates to get involved in the Suicide Prevention Week of Action, September 10-16.
The initiative aims to bring together mental health and suicide prevention advocates in King County and equip them with tools and information to hold educational Suicide Prevention Week of Action events in their community. The goal of these events is to collectively raise awareness and provide caring adults with youth suicide prevention strategies, including learning how to use the Ask, Listen, and Learn (ALL) conversation model. Hosts are encouraged to educate their community on how to have caring conversations with youth or anyone else who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. Research demonstrates “that it only takes one caring adult to make a difference in how young people see themselves and their future.”[1]
“Young people are experiencing a level of distress that calls on us to act with urgency and compassion.”[2] As an additional reminder that anyone can make a difference in the lives of a youth, King County community members are invited to attend various suicide prevention training sessions September 13-29, virtually or in person. Community leaders in the field will provide training in various suicide prevention programs, including Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR), LEARN Saves Lives (from Forefront Suicide Prevention at the University of Washington), and Youth Mental Health First Aid. All sessions are free, open to the public, and are designed to empower the community to know what to do and how to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. Together we can ALL prevent suicide.
For more information about the initiative, local and national resources, or to register for a free training session, visit allpreventsuicide.org.
[1] Bringing Resilience and Hope to Young People Today | Psychology Today
[2] U.S. Teen Girls Experiencing Increased Sadness and Violence | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC
Contacts
Ann-Marie Auger-Andrews, Rescue Agency
[email protected]
(619) 231-7555 Ext. 1074
