Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay
GENESEE COUNTY, MI – Every September, Genesee Health System (GHS) and the Genesee County Suicide Prevention Coalition recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to continue learning about suicide prevention, remember those we have lost to suicide, and acknowledge the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide.
In the United States, someone dies by suicide every 11 minutes. In Genesee County, we lose over 55 to suicide each year.
This year the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) launched the first-ever national 988 Day, a day of action to be held every year on September 8. 988 Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
“GHS encourages everyone to celebrate this day by talking to your friends and family about the 988 Lifeline and post on social media using #988Day,” said Carrie Chanter, GHS director of Prevention, Health & Wellness.
Chanter added: “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.
GHS encourages the community to acknowledge National Suicide Prevention Month and engage in suicide prevention activities and events around Genesee County, as well as share vital crisis resources, including:
- Genesee Health System free trainings at genhs.org/free-training/
- Genesee Health System: 810-257-3740 or Text FLINT to 741741
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org
- 988 Day Digital Toolkit: 988 Day Digital Toolkit
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, October 6, Wilson Park in Downtown Flint.
- This GHS sponsored event encourages people to talk about mental health and walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost to suicide
For questions, please contact GHS Communications by phone at 810-424-6090 or email 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.
