Suicide Prevention Month
September 10, 2021
According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), "One in
every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. It can affect every one of us.
Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them.
However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging
well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world."
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) reports that suicide is the
10th leading cause of death in the US. In 2019, there were 47,511 that died by suicide
with a total of 1.38 million suicide attempts. The AFSP also reports that on average
there are 130 suicides per day.
The reality of the situation is that suicide is a very real problem. The good news
is that it's highly preventable too. This September is National Suicide Prevention
Month and September 10th is International Suicide Prevention Day. In recognition of
this important topic, the Santa Fe College Counseling Center staff encourage all students,
faculty, and staff to become educated on this topic and on ways to make a difference.
Both AFSP and IASP offer information, resources, and ways to get involved to help
spread the word about this important topic.
As part of its mission to foster the personal, emotional and academic well-being of
students and to help them reach their full potential, the staff at the SF Counseling
Center are offering a number of QPR Suicide Prevention trainings during September.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training is designed to reduce suicidal behaviors
and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training
to faculty, staff, and students. QPR provides the knowledge to recognize warning signs
so that you can help save a life. All students, staff, and faculty are invited to
contact the Counseling Center at 352-395-5508 to sign up for one of the Zoom trainings
on the dates below. If you would like to schedule a QPR training for your club, student
organization, department, or staff, please contact steven.vutsinas@sfcollege.edu.
- 11-12 on Tuesday 9/14/21
- 11-12 on Thursday 9/16/21
- 1-2 on Monday 9/20/21
- 11:30-12:30 on Wednesday 9/29/21
World Suicide Prevention Day and Suicide Prevention Month are an opportunity to raise
awareness of suicide and to promote actions that will reduce the number of suicides
and suicide attempts globally. Please don't hesitate to get involved, make a difference,
and save a life.
If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please use and share
the resources below.
Resources
- Alachua County Crisis Center: 352-264-6789
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Hearing Impaired Individuals (TTY): 800-799-4889
- Video Relay Service: 800-273-8255
- De Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 (Press 1) ·
- https://www.sfcollege.edu/counseling/suicide-prevention/index
- https://www.iasp.info/wspd2021/
