HOTBHN Observes September As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
WACO, TX – Suicide continues to be a significant public health concern. The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) continues to be committed to reducing suicide by observing September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Suicide is the nation’s 12th-leading cause of death, with about 46,000 people dying by suicide each year. The numbers in Texas and HOTBHN’s six-county service area are also alarming, according to Texas Health and Human Services:
· In 2020, Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in Texas
· In 2020, Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death after accidental injury for Texans 10 to 44 years old
· In 2020, Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in HOTBHN’s six-county service area
· In 2019-2020, Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death after accidental injury for Texans 10 to 44 years old in HOTBHN’s six-county service area
HOTBHN continues to take action to reduce suicide through its Zero Suicide Workgroup, a committee of agency staff led by Elizabeth Timmons, Director of HOTBHN Affiliate Heart of Texas Counseling Center.
“People need to know they matter. Check in with your people and ask them how they are going,” Timmons said. “HOTBHN provides Suicide Safe Care to our consumers in line with national best practices to save lives.”
Timmons stresses that the Zero Suicide Workgroup committee aligns its goals with its HOTBHN policy statement of commitment to suicide Safe Care: “The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network shall have a workforce competent in the recognition of and provision of suicide-safe care to all consumers in line with national best practices to promote life.”
HOTBHN requires all staff to complete the AS+K About Suicide To Save A Life training yearly. It is available as a community training – for organizations and the general public – right now.
“AS+K about suicide to save a life,” said Jeni Sharp, HOTBHN Staff and Community Training Manager. “To learn how, contact the HOTBHN!”
Jeni can be reached at 254-297-7007. You can contact the Heart of Texas Counseling Center at 254-297-7100. For complete and comprehensive information on all of our programs, visit our website at www.hotbhn.org.
Contact:
Tanya Ledesma,
Public Information Coordinator
Cell: (254) 640-5229
