David Y. Igé | DOH Press Release: DOH and Hawai’i Suicide Prevention Task Force Recognize National Suicide Prevention Month

HONOLULU – The Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch (EMSIPSB) of the Hawaii Department of Health and the Prevent Suicide Hawai’i Task Force are taking action to recognize National Suicide Month. suicide prevention. Events will be held statewide throughout September to draw attention to this issue.

In Hawai’i, one person commits suicide every two days. Suicide is the leading cause of fatal injuries among 15- to 64-year-olds and the tenth leading cause of all deaths in the state. From 2016 to 2020, 957 Hawaiians died by suicide.

“Suicide is a serious, complex and preventable public health problem,” said Alvin C. Bronstein MD, chief executive officer of emergency medical services and injury prevention. “Suicide prevention requires a strategic and comprehensive approach, including awareness raising and collaboration of stakeholders, to ensure that resources are available to those who need them most. This is especially important during the pandemic. “

This year’s Hawai’i Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) “Out of Darkness Experience” will be held virtually statewide on Saturday, September 18, starting at 9:00 am. This annual event is designed to increase awareness of suicide prevention resources and provide support to those at risk, loved ones of suicide survivors and the public. To register for the “Out of Darkness” experience, visit Virtual Hawaii Walk.

“Our goal is to raise awareness about suicide prevention statewide and educate everyone about available support services,” said Renee Yu, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Department of Health. “These services include suicide prevention training for health care professionals, survivor awareness, and support for family members.”

Depression, anxiety and isolation are risk factors and warning signs for suicide. If you or someone you know experiences any of these feelings on a regular basis, or if the frequency or severity of the feelings increases, seek help immediately by talking to a trusted friend, family member, or doctor. mental health professional.

Mental health professionals are trained to help people feel better before a mental health problem escalates into suicidal thoughts. Minors 14 years or older may consent to outpatient mental health care without the permission, knowledge or involvement of their parents or legal guardians, after consultation and approval of their registered therapist.

To learn more about suicide prevention in Hawai’i, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/suicide-prevention/information/.

Important resources

• The Hawai’i CARES Hotline is a free, 24/7 focal point for addiction, mental health and crisis response support. Locally trained and qualified clinical and crisis call center staff provide supportive counseling, screening for urgent or emerging mental health or addiction needs, recommendations for behavioral health assessments, as well as referrals. crisis intervention and services. Any resident of Hawai’i can call Hawai’i CARES at 1 (800) 753-6879. For more information on Hawai’i CARES, visit https://hicares.hawaii.gov/.
• The Crisis text line offers free crisis counseling 24/7. Send ALOHA to 741741, and you will be connected to a live, trained crisis counselor who will respond to you on a secure online platform. For more information visit https://www.crisistextline.org.
• The Hawaii Poison Center provides help for poisoning emergencies, call 1 (800) 222-1222. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information, visit https://hippoisoncenter.org.
• For more information on how to take action against suicide, visit

2021 Suicide Prevention Month activities

Statewide:

Kaua’i:

• Go to: Prevent suicide Kauai.org for more details and updates on all Kaua’i September activities
• To donate, volunteer or if you have any questions about Kaua’i activities, contact: Patricia Wistinghausen / [email protected] / # 808-346-7492
• September 1-30: Post It Forward Kaua’i – Got that September challenge Kaua’i Ohana on Instagram instagram.com/yougotthiskauai
• Sep 16: Suicide Prevention 101 virtual training / 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
• Sep 23: Suicide Prevention 101 virtual training / 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
• September 27: Kaua’i Suicide Prevention Working Group Meeting / 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. via Zoom
• September 29: Hale ‘Opio Youth Suicide & Bullying Prevention Training / In person from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• September 29: Kaua’i Mental Health Advocates Community Conversation on Suicide Prevention / 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom

O’ahu:

• September 10: proclamation of the mayor of the county

Maui:

• August 30: 2 p.m. County mayor proclamation
• September 8: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Waving sign in front of the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center with members of the Maui County Suicide Prevention Task Force and Maui Economic Opportunity keiki
• September 10: Training on the basics of suicide prevention (SP 101)
• September 14: Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
• September 30, 2nd Annual Maui Suicide Prevention Mini-Conference, “Embrace Cultural and Social Protective Factors in Suicide Prevention. ” Contact: Danielle Bergan, [email protected], and Kristin Mills, [email protected]

The island of Hawaii:

• September 6-10: County mayor’s proclamation for National Suicide Prevention Month.
• September 10: Posting at various locations. Contact: Yolisa Duley, [email protected]

Military and veteran focus:

• September 14: 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Radio with Rick Hamada, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator Travis Schmidt
• The Joint Military Suicide Prevention Working Group (JMSPTF) meets on the first Thursday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For more information, contact: Stefany Garcia, [email protected], Melody Bell, [email protected]

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