GENESEE COUNTY, MI – Genesee Health System (GHS) worked with other community organizations to launch the Genesee County Suicide Prevention Coalition in an effort to reduce suicide deaths in Genesee County. There are at least 55 lives lost to suicide per year in Genesee County.
The Genesee County Suicide Prevention Coalition consists of approximately 25 groups representing K-12 schools, universities, law enforcement, community organizations, businesses, hospitals, mental health organizations, media, and concerned citizens. The group meets monthly, focusing on community training and education, stigma reduction, and outreach to high-risk groups like veterans, youth, and older adults.
“Our goal is to work with the Coalition to continue to find ways to educate and support our community with mental health resources while reducing barriers,” said Carrie Chanter, GHS Director of Prevention, Health & Wellness. “September is used to bring more awareness to suicide, but we must work year-round to help with the stigma and education around suicide prevention. Suicide is a preventable public health issue.“
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death but the second leading cause for ages 10 to 34.
GHS is encouraging all community members to observe National Suicide Prevention Month and participate in suicide prevention activities and events around Genesee County, as well as sharing important crisis lines:
- Genesee Health System: 810-257-3740 or Text FLINT to 741741
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
In addition, the Genesee County Suicide Prevention Coalition is offering a free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) for Suicide Prevention training. Like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. This class prepares participants to recognize suicidal signs, to ask the person in crisis about suicidal thoughts/intentions, and to connect them to crisis services. Register at: https://forms.office.com/r/yZg62DBQYS.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) for Suicide Prevention Training
Thursday, September 28
9:00 – 11:00 A.M.
Offered both virtually and in-person.
For questions, please contact GHS Communications at GHScommunications@genhs.org.
Learn more about Genesee Health Services at genhs.org.
Learn more about suicide prevention and other resources at letstalkgenesee.com.
Genesee Health System provides services and support for individuals in Genesee County with mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment, intellectual disabilities, and primary health care needs.
Program funded by Genesee County Community Mental Health Millage funds. Your tax dollars at work.
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