The early death of a young person is a heart-breaking tragedy that shakes the community to its core.

Unfortunately, suicide among adolescents is a major public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is a leading cause of death among those ages 10-24.

While risk factors and causes are always being studied, one thing is clear: Prevention methods – including greater awareness by parents, educators, and friends – can help reduce teen suicide.

Delaware County Council recently recognized that suicide is preventable, and that mental health is just as important as physical health by declaring September 10-16 as National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Week.

[uam_ad id=”52851″]

Advertisement

“We are pleased to have an extensive System of Care, through our Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, that helps families and individuals access the services they need to address the mental health of children and youth,” said Councilman Dave White.

Last week, the System of Care partnered with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit to hold a Children’s Mental Health Expo for children and families, kicking off a week-long series of seminars and trainings available for caregivers. Throughout the week, workshops will be taking place at the IU for clinicians to train in suicide risk assessment and help train caregivers how to intervene, prevent harm, and reduce the risk of suicide.

Click here for a list of the seminars and resources that are available.

White stressed that help is available and that the county’s mobile crisis team can respond to an emotional crisis any time, any day.

“Life is not always easy for those who are challenged by mental health, substance abuse, trauma, violence, or other issues that impact their emotional well-being,” he said. “The mission of the Delaware County Crisis Connections Team is to listen, assess a person’s needs, help the person and/or their family gain control, and provide connections to needed treatment resources.”

The Delaware County Mobile Crisis Team is available 24 hours a day, every day of the week, at 855-889-7827.

[uam_ad id=”52850″]