NH DHHS - State’s Suicide Prevention Plan Released

NH DHHS - State’s Suicide Prevention Plan Released
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 08:27AM
Concord, NH - New Hampshire’s Suicide Prevention Council is announcing the release of the revised State Suicide Prevention Plan. The plan serves as a blueprint to increase awareness of suicide as a public health problem and to guide suicide prevention activities in the State.

The Suicide Prevention Council was legislatively established in 2008 and has received strong support from the Governor’s Office. “New Hampshire has become a national model for our suicide prevention efforts with veterans, service members and their families,” said Governor John Lynch. “We have also developed a network of support for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. It is important that we continue to work to improve our suicide prevention efforts and continue to be a national leader.”

Although New Hampshire has made great strides in suicide prevention efforts, suicide remains the second leading cause of death (after accidental injury) among New Hampshire youth and young adults up to age 34, and the fourth leading cause of death in adults up to age 55. Suicide remains a major concern for citizens of all ages; everyone can help to prevent suicide. Warning signs include: talking about death or dying; withdrawing from family and friends; anger/rage; hopelessness; increased use of alcohol or other drugs; and mood changes. If you are worried about someone you think is at risk of suicide call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). (Are our illegally stolen children even being considered in this plan? God knows how many of them have already tried to commit suicide. I know my grandson was one of them.)(How many of these children have already committed suicide?)

The original Suicide Prevention Plan was established in 2004. While New Hampshire has accomplished a great deal since then, the new plan will go even further in addressing this public health problem. The process of updating the State Suicide Prevention Plan has been a collaboration among many partners including individuals, state agencies and private organizations. The Suicide Prevention Council looks forward to moving ahead with guiding implementation of the new State Plan.

For more information on the State Suicide Prevention Council, please contact Jo Moncher at jamoncher@dhhs.state.nh.us


http://www.nhinsider.com/press-releases/2010/1/6/nh-dhhs-states-suicide-prevention-plan-released.html