What is the Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition (BCSPC)?
In December 2012, twenty-two concerned citizens met over lunch to discuss the need for suicide prevention in Berrien County and what could be done.
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Since that time, the involvement of many primary interest groups in the community such as Riverwood, Lakeland HealthCare, Berrien County Health Department, Berrien RESA, and others has been gained.
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As of the summer of 2014, the group officially became an advisory committee of Berrien County Mental Health Authority (Riverwood) and can receive tax-deductible contributions.
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Meetings are open to the public. They are normally held virtually on the third Thursday of the month from noon to 1 pm.
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Why is Suicide Prevention Important?
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Prevention occurs at all levels of society—from the individual, family, and community levels to the broader social environment
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Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. (homicide is 16th)
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Suicide takes the lives of nearly 40,000 Americans every year
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An average of one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds worldwide
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For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is the second leading cause of death
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It is estimated there are 8 to 25 suicide attempts to each completed suicide
Source: CDC, AAS
There is Hope. Did You Know . . .
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Suicide can be prevented through education and public awareness
Research has shown medications and therapy to be effective suicide prevention
80% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully
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Source: SAVE.org
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