According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), each year more than 800,000 people die by suicide and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt. IASP points out that “regardless of the circumstances, communities have an important role to play in supporting those who are vulnerable”.
September 10th is the 16th annual World Suicide Prevention Day, and the theme for 2018 is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide”.
The Massachusetts Coalition for suicide prevention has organized ten regional suicide prevention coalitions, and The Plymouth County Suicide Prevention Coalition (PCSPC) is one of them.
OCES is a member of PCSPC, an important resource for those who struggle, their families and friends. PCSPS has three main focus points: prevention, intervention, and awareness.
You can follow PCSPS on Facebook, or read more at www.plymouthcountyspc.org as well as www.iasp.info. Information is also available at www.MassPreventsSuicide.org.
To mark Suicide Prevention Day, people are encouraged to turn on a candle near a window at 8 pm to show support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and for the survivors of suicide. This year the IASP has introduced new Ribbon Lapel Pins in a two-toned yellow and orange color, which represents the candle flame of awareness.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) lists a number of “Out of the Darkness” community walks held across the country each year. There are several scheduled for Massachusetts. For details about the walks and ways you can donate, visit www.afsp.donordrive.com