There is a need to focus on the steps for suicide prevention. From 2000 to 2018, the suicide death rate (per 100,000) increased by 25% in Orange County; in the five years from 2014 to 2018, an average of 330 lives were lost each year, reaching an all-time high of 369 deaths in 2018.
Now in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide rates have been on the rise. Suicide is a tragic event that shatters countless lives and it needs our attention. At Bio-One, we see suicide too often and want to spread awareness in an effort to change that rate.
According to Be Well Orange County, there are necessary steps to take to reduce and prevent suicides in our communities.
Be Well OC's Goals are:
- Increase awareness about how to prevent suicide.
- Increase connectedness between individuals, families and communities.
- Increase detection of individuals in need.
- Increase access to mental health care.
- Reduce access to lethal means.
Be Well OC's 4 Steps to Prevent Suicide:
- Reach out to high risk populations to find and engage those in need.
- Maintain contact with those in need and support continuity of care.
- Improve the lives of those in need through comprehensive services and supports.
- Build community awareness, reduce stigma and promote help-seeking.
We hope you can take the time to check on your neighbors if you don't see them out often and/or make sure your loved ones are seeking assistance by specialists with Mental Health issues. Every little thing we can do to support one another counts.
If you or a loved one may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
