PICKENS COUNTY — According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a person dies by their own hand every 12 hours in the state of S.C. — well above the national average.

As if that statistic wasn’t frightening enough, our very own Pickens County currently ranks number one in the state for suicides.

ASFP states in 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death for ages 10-14, the third for ages 15-34 and the fourth for ages 35-44, making it the eleventh leading cause of death overall in the state.

But there’s help out there.

On Saturday, at its annual Chapter Leadership Conference, the AFSP announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“We know from research that suicide is a national public health issue that impacts all Americans, including our service members and veterans,” said Bob Gebbia, AFSP CEO. “By having the DoD and the VA involved, we can make it a top priority to reach the men and women who serve, and have served, our country.”

“VA and DoD have endorsed AFSP’s goal of reducing the national suicide rate 20 percent by the year 2025 and will not stop in our efforts to work towards eliminating suicide among our service members and Veterans,” said Dr. Keita Franklin, acting national director of suicide prevention for the VA. “Suicide is a national public health issue that impacts people of all ages and prevention requires the cooperation and commitment of communities across the nation. Reducing veteran suicide is VA’s highest clinical priority and this partnership is a momentous step in advancing our work.”

Formalizing this partnership allows AFSP, DoD and VA to mobilize their respective nationwide networks of staff and volunteers towards a shared goal of reducing service member and veteran suicide, they said.

This partnership is an example of the public health approach to suicide prevention in action, allowing all three organizations to reach service members and veterans where they are. The partnership will also enhance the ability of AFSP, DoD and VA to share evidence-based best practices and strategies to prevent suicide, helping advance the entire field of suicide prevention, they said.

“Ensuring consistency throughout our communities — that our service members and veterans have access to resources before, while, and after wearing the uniform and that the transition is seamless — is vital to our collective goal of reducing suicide,” said George Parisi, acting director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, DoD. “Partnering with AFSP and VA is key to ensuring service members, veterans, and their families receive the support they need.”

But it’s important to remember, it’s not just service men and women affected.

“Suicide impacts people of all walks of life, regardless of whether or not they’ve served in the military,” said Franklin. “There is no wrong door to treatment, whether that’s with VA or another provider. Our responsibility is to equip communities to help service members and veterans get the right care for them, whenever and wherever they need it.”

If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, support is available 24/7.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to anyone by calling 1-800-273-8255.

Service members, veterans and their loved ones can call the Military and Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net, or text to 838255.

A person dies by their own hand every 12 hours in the state of S.C.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_help1.jpgA person dies by their own hand every 12 hours in the state of S.C. Courtesy photo

If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, support is available 24/7.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_help3.jpgIf you, or someone you know, is in crisis, support is available 24/7. Courtesy photo

Pickens County currently ranks number one in the state for suicides.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_Suicide-Prevention-Lifeline.jpgPickens County currently ranks number one in the state for suicides. Courtesy photo
Pickens County ranks no. 1 in state for suicides

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@championcarolinas.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.