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SPAN USA Hosts Webinar on Older Adult Suicide

On December 1, SPAN USA organized a webinar entitled “Information and Action to Prevent Older Adult Suicide.”  The webinar brought together a national audience of 173 people, including SPAN USA Field Liaisons, suicide prevention coordinators, suicide survivors, mental health professionals, advocates, public policy professionals, and administrators. For more information, click here. 

Suicide Prevention and the New Media

The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family of Abraham Biggs during this difficult time.  Mr. Biggs’ tragic death by suicide reminds us that there is a critical need for safe, effective ways to provide education and awareness about suicide prevention online.  The new media can be a powerful force for fostering positive and helpful connections among individuals in need. However, attention to other situations is vital to suicide prevention efforts. 

SPAN USA is committed to helping develop guidelines for suicide prevention using the new media, and empowering suicide survivors to turn their grief into action.  At the same time, we know that it takes a community to reduce suicide in America. Everyone can help to promote the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and to raise awareness about suicide prevention through posting and engaging in discussions in the blogosphere and other online spaces.  

SPAN USA Launches New Brochure for Military Families

The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) and TriWest Healthcare Alliance have recently created a new brochure to educate former and active members of the military and their families about warning signs of suicide and treatment options for mental health disorders in order to reduce suicide among our nation’s heroes. In addition to including information on warning signs, the brochure also encourages seeking help as a “sign of strength,” and provides information on finding local suicide prevention resources in cities nationwide. 

Click here to view and download the brochure, Suicide Prevention for Military Families: What You Need to Know about Warning Signs and Getting Help. The brochure is also available for purchase (cost of shipping only) through the SPAN USA Marketplace.

Listen and Act to Prevent Suicide During the Economic Crisis

The current state of the economy is certainly weighing heavily on the minds of Americans and people around the world.  Media coverage of the economic crisis has included a wave of stories about an increase in the suicide rate, both nationally and internationally.  It is important to remember, however, that research on suicide has not produced conclusive results connecting an economic downturn to an increase in suicide.  In addition, scientific data on suicide is generally subject to a few years of “lag time” and therefore does not necessarily reflect the current situation.

Yet, it is probably safe to say that in this climate of economic insecurity, many people are feeling helpless, hopeless, and vulnerable.  In the face of this fear and despair, we all can play a powerful role in suicide prevention. 

Here are some things you can do to help:

Take action today to prevent suicide in your community.  Together, we can make a difference.

Support SPAN USA: Lifekeeper Jewelry,
Marketplace, & More

Remember those lost and support suicide prevention efforts by giving Lifekeeper Jewelry (charm, pin, necklace, or bracelet). Or visit the SPAN USA Marketplace for other available items such a SPAN USA Polo shirt, educational guides, suicide prevention pins and much more. Consider other things you can do to support SPAN USA.