Opinion: Suicide Prevention Awareness – Our work is not yet done. Let’s promote hope and connectedness.

By Phuong Cardoza, LPC, Group Director & Chief Executive Officer, El Paso Behavioral Health System

September marks Suicide Prevention Month. Recent national polls indicate that 94% of adults believe suicide can be prevented. Unfortunately, we continue to see dramatic increases in the number of youth who need care. The latest stats are sobering:

· Almost 48,000 people died by suicide in 2021;

· That’s 1 death every 11 minutes; and

· 12 million adults thought about suicide and over 3 million made a plan.

Suicide is preventable. We are listening.

As a behavioral healthcare provider right here in El Paso, our team at El Paso Behavioral Health System is dedicated to #BeThere during #SPM23 (Suicide Prevention Month 2023) in a manner that promotes connectedness and recovery. Culturally relevant mental health services, evidence-based treatments and support are available. We are listening – and we can help.

If you or someone you love is experiencing an emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide, 24/7 assessments are available by contacting us directly or you may contact:

· 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that provides 24/7, no-cost and confidential support for individuals in distress, including prevention and crisis resources. Text, chat or call today. Trained crisis counselors are ready to serve.

· The Veterans Crisis Line for U.S. Military Veterans, call 988, press 1.

· Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth, at 1-866-488-7386.

We want our community to know we are in this together, and each of us has a role to play in suicide prevention throughout the year and especially in September.

#BeThere #SPM23

El Paso Behavioral is a proud partner of ABC-7’s ‘Be Mindful’ initiative.