Greg Reuss, a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention came to the Hospice house to meet with both staff and volunteers on the morning of September 28th. His presentation included alarming statistics on how suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and that for every one suicide there are 25 attempts. Greg also stated that there is no single cause for suicide and there is various health, environmental, and historical factors that come into play.
As one suicide on average affects 100 people, it is important for the community as a whole to be aware of common warning signs such as talk, behavior, and mood. The AFSP’s mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Hospice volunteers and staff hope to further spread this message and use the training in the field when working with families.
Please know that if you are in crisis there is a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or Crisis Text Line at 741741 where someone is always available to talk.
