Based upon recent statistics from the Department of Public Health, the suicide rate in our region is 1.5 times the state average. In order to begin to address this problem, the Cape and Islands Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition was formed in 2009. The Coalition brings together a diverse group of community stakeholders to raise awareness around suicide in order to reduce the number of suicides in our region.  Currently the C&ISPC has over 75 members representing Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and includes schools and afterschool programs, mental health, law enforcement, and emergency medical service agencies; organizations representing suicide survivors; and groups representing communities whose members may be at risk for suicide including youth, the elderly, or those with mental health or substance abuse disorders, individuals and families who have experienced suicide, as well as a variety of health and human service agencies.

In order to reach our mission, we are engaging in the following activities:

• Develop the Coalition by making contact with schools, emergency responders, hospitals, the medical community, police, and others by inviting them to participate in the coalition through a variety of methods including direct contact, announcements and flyers via e-mail or mail.

• Participate in training opportunities and disseminate information to the community.

• Coordinate, publicize, and host a variety of events and trainings to heighten community awareness of suicide.

• Print outreach materials and distribute across the region.

For more information about the Coalition contact:

Tim Lineaweaver, Chair, at tnt410@aol.com

Beth Albert, Vice Chair, at 508.375.6626 balbert@barnstablecounty.org