September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month and Rangely District Hospital has joined forces with mental health professionals nationwide to raise awareness about suicide and encourage education that could prevent future tragedies. “Suicide is a public health crisis that affects people from all walks of life,” says Rangely District Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Elizabeth Wiley. “By coming together to raise awareness and educate our communities, we can create a culture where it’s okay to talk about mental health and seek help when needed. We all have a role to play in preventing suicide, and it starts with understanding and compassion.” So, what should you do if someone you love may be having thoughts of suicide? The “Be The 1 To” campaign outlines five actionable steps that anyone can take to help prevent suicide: Be the One to ASK. Be the One to BE THERE. Be the One to KEEP THEM SAFE. Be the One to HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED. Be the One to FOLLOW-UP. For more details on each step, look up the #BeThe1To campaign. If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately. For those experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
