The Mississippi Department of Mental Health released its first state plan for suicide prevention today; a workgroup composed of state agency workers and other advocates formed in April to help finalize the http://www.dmh.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Suicide-Prevention-Plan-Final-1.pdf">two-year prevention plan. In Mississippi, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24 years old.
The plan's release coincides with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which is in September.
“Whether we realize it or not, many of our friends and neighbors have been affected by suicide or mental illness,” DMH Executive Director Diana Mikula said in a press release. “Suicide affects people across all ages, races, and backgrounds, but through collaboration, sharing resources, and working towards common goals, we can prevent the tragedy of suicide.”
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in Mississippi, and the state's suicide rates also increase with age, http://www.dmh.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Suicide-Prevention-Plan-Final-1.pdf">the report shows. Men in Mississippi commit suicide at much higher rates than females their age.
The suicide prevention hotline is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The number will connect you to a counselor in a local crisis center.
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