Joan's Corner - October 2024 Update
See the newly added Halloween suggestions. Joan has taken the time to review the many options available for Halloween entertainment. After considerable researc...
Joan Koczor
Articles and information on suicide help and prevention.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Anyone contemplating suicide or experiencing emotional distress may call, text or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to speak with a trained counselor who can provide support and connect them to local resources if necessary.
Like the 911 emergency service, the number is staffed 24/7 nationwide, with a network of over 200 state and local crisis call centers.
Suicide rates in the U.S.
In 2020, about 12.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide and 1.2 million attempted suicides, resulting in 45,979 deaths, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, people age 85 and older have the highest suicide rates.
Newsletter Sign: Sign Up for SAMHSA Email Updates
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. There are many factors that contribute to suicide. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience.
CDC's Suicide Prevention Notebook:
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/resources/prevention.html
EMPACT – Suicide Prevention Center
“Your Partner for a Safe, Strong, and Healthy Community”
La Frontera Arizona / EMPACT – Suicide Prevention Center offers comprehensive crisis and community behavioral health services to children, adults, and families. Services are provided in the home or at one of our offices located in metro Phoenix, San Tan Valley, and the City of Maricopa."
"In addition to providing direct services, EMPACT is an active in our communities providing prevention programs, training, outreach, and advocacy. We partner with police, fire, schools, places of worship, legal systems, and other agencies and organizations seeking to promote safe, healthy, and resilient individuals, families, and communities."
Check out LA FRONTERA's website to learn about all the services offered.
NOTICE TO PATIENTS
This practice serves all patients regardless of ability to pay. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. We have a discounted/sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income. Please enquire at the reception desk to apply.
AVISO PARA PACIENTES
Los centros de salud ofrecen servicios sin considerar la capacidad para pagar. Los cargos generados por servicios de salud son calculados de acuerdo al nivel de ingreso del paciente. Pacientes pueden aplicar con la recepcionista. Gracias.
Services available: Services | La Frontera EMPACT (lafronteraaz-empact.org)
Community Crisis Line: (520) 622-6000
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Introduction:
This Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report documents decreases in Veteran suicide deaths and suicide rates during the two most recent years for which mortality data is available, 2019 and 2020.
The report provides two decades of Veteran suicide information, from 2001 through 2020. The report also evaluates Veteran suicide during 2020, in the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing patterns of Veteran suicide and Veteran COVID-19 mortality over time and across Veteran subgroups.
The Nation’s Largest Provider OF SERVICE DOGS FOR VETERANS
Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.
With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.
Roughly 20 veterans die by suicide every day, and K9s For Warriors is determined to change that. K9s For Warriors exists because of a fierce dedication to saving the lives of both veterans and rescue dogs. This program is backed by scientific research and empowers veterans who fought for our freedom to live a life of dignity and independence.
Graduates of the program are able to live a life that they previously did not think was possible. Many have reunited with their families, gone back to school, found renewed enjoyment in life, and significantly reduced their medications.
RETURN TO LIFE WITH DIGNITY AND INDEPENDENCE
A New Leash on Life!
Service-related trauma keeps veterans from living the life they deserve. They fought for our freedom. We fight for theirs. Our primary focus is to restore and support our veterans who have PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or military sexual trauma (MST). For veterans who are willing to take the first step to regain independence in their life, we are here to help.
Our team supports veterans by navigating our scientifically proven process, pairing them with a trained Service Dog, and supporting them during and after the program – at no cost to the veteran.
Email: info@k9sforwarriors.org
When you’re in crisis, it can be hard to see a way forward. And when you get to that point, suicide may seem like the only option. It’s not.
Preventing Veteran suicide is VA’s top clinical priority, not only because we want to save lives, but also because we know it’s possible to prevent suicide.
The thought of getting support can be daunting if you’ve been suffering silently. But there are resources available and people who want to help you.
Where to start:
If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, having thoughts of suicide, or becoming self-destructive, the caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are ready to listen and help you make a plan to stay safe.
Day or night (24 x 7), you can call:
dial 988, then press 1
chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat)
text (838255) to receive crisis support.
Find the hope you need.
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
You're not alone—the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.
Care doesn’t end when the conversation is over. Our responders can connect you with the resources you need. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to use the Veterans Crisis Line.
Launched in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line started with 14 trained responders working out of a call center in Canandaigua, N.Y. It’s grown to include an online chat and text service with 500 responders in three call center locations. Because many responders are Veterans, they’re familiar with the challenges Veterans face.
Continuing care after the call, chat, or text, Veterans Crisis Line responders can refer Veterans to a local suicide prevention coordinator (SPC). Available in each VA medical center across the country, SPCs can connect Veterans to the counseling and services they need.
Responders are also available 24/7 to help active-duty service members and their families and friends through a crisis through the Military Crisis Line. Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, along with their loved ones, can Dial 988 and Press 1, chat online at MilitaryCrisisLine.net, or send a text to 838255 to receive free, confidential support.
How It Works
The Veterans Crisis Line is free and confidential. When you call, chat, or text, a qualified responder will listen and help. You decide how much information to share. Support doesn't end with your conversation. Our responders can connect you with the resources you need.
When to Call
Veterans and service members in crisis aren’t alone. If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, having thoughts of suicide, or becoming self-destructive, we're ready to help.
Contact us immediately if you or the Veteran or service member in your life is showing signs of crisis, such as:
Talking about feeling hopeless
Experiencing anxiety or agitation
Increasing risky behaviors or substance use
This site is owned and managed by Ron Smith