Regional Coalition Honors National Suicide Prevention Week on Cape and Islands
In the United States, someone dies by suicide every 13.7 minutes. On the Cape and Islands, the suicide death rate is 1.6 times higher than the rate for Massachusetts. For men ages 40-49 years, the rate is almost double the state rate. For teens, it is more than twice the state rate. As the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the third-leading cause for youth, suicide remains a public health concern that the Cape and Islands can not ignore.
In an effort to increase community awareness about suicide, the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition is taking part in the 39th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week from September 8th-14th. Awareness-raising events have been scheduled throughout the week. The Barnstable County Commissioners signed a Proclamation declaring September 8-14, 2013 as Suicide Prevention Week in Barnstable County.
On Thursday, September 12th the Coalition will hold a public ceremony to commemorate those individuals lost to suicide and to support the friends and families left behind. All are invited to attend the ceremony and Coalition meeting directly following, and should arrive in Rooms 11/12 of the Barnstable Superior Courthouse in the Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main St., Barnstable at 11:15 A.M. Read more …
