Suicide Prevention For The Other 364 Days
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and this week is dedicated to suicide prevention in the US. You may have seen many efforts to call attention to the need for suicide prevention recently. However, public concern only rises when a suicide draws a lot of attention, and then apathy returns after a few days or weeks until the next time.
There are a number of reasons for the lack of community support. Suicide is still highly stigmatized and this keeps many people from getting involved. Suicide is the subject of many myths and misconceptions. Some don’t believe that suicide is preventable.
In our region, one to two suicides occur every day. Scores of people make attempts and hundreds more are troubled by severe thoughts of suicide. The police, ERs, and crisis centers deal with suicidal behavior 24/7. Suicidal behavior is a major community problem. What can we do?
Read More »
Saving Lives on the Lifeline
By Julie Peticca,
Director, MCES Crisis Department
It has been just over two years since MCES became part of the SAMAHA-funded National Suicide Lifeline Network. MCES is one of almost 170 hotlines and crisis centers taking calls to 1-800-273-TALK.
The MCES Crisis Center is the only network member in the metro-Philadelphia area operating 24/7 and consequently we receive most of the calls made on phones with 215, 610, 267, and 484 area codes. Last month, we took two such calls that demonstrate the value of the Lifeline and good crisis intervention skills.
Paul Butler, Assistant Director, of the MCES Crisis Department, was working the overnight one week helping to train a new employee. He took a Lifeline call from a gentleman who happened to be in Montgomery County ("in county" Lifeline calls are rare). The man was suicidal, intoxicated, and sitting in a field with a gun. Paul spent over an hour and half on the phone with this individual supporting him and talking him out of making a fatal decision. Meanwhile, the other personnel on duty that night, Ed Hinson, RN, Reuben Ray, and Brian Cline, EMT, were in contact with County Radio (911) to help locate the patient and dispatch aid. Paul kept the caller engaged until he was found by the Pennsylvania State Police. Troopers secured the caller's weapon. The MCES EMS Crew (305) also responded to the scene and the individual was brought to MCES for evaluation and subsequently admitted.
Read More »
|
