(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Local agencies use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, promote awareness, and connect our community to the resources they need. One local resource is the Ketchikan CARES Crisis Line providing 24/7, free support to people in distress. Supportive counselors can be reached at 907-225-2273 (CARE).

Suicide is among the nation’s leading causes of death, taking more than 31,000 lives each year. In our community we see suicide prevention as an immediate and necessary effort. A 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed one in four Ketchikan teens seriously considered attempting suicide while 14% of Ketchikan high school students have attempted suicide. Nearly half of the survey respondents indicated they felt alone in their life and that they do not matter to people in their community. So many in our community have been impacted by suicide, suicide attempts or suicide ideation.

There is hope. Ketchikan has supportive resources for you and your loved ones. Through a community partnership between PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center and the Ketchikan Community Action Planning (CAP) team, the Ketchikan CARES Crisis Line was launched this spring in response to increased anxiety caused by COVID-19. The Ketchikan CARES Crisis Line provides 24/7, free support to people in distress. Trained counselors can be reached at 907-225-2273 (CARE). Talking saves lives, and the CARES Crisis Line is here to do just that.

Ketchikan has many resources to help prevent suicide. Akeela provides in and outpatient support for substance abuse, a contributing factor to suicide. Ketchikan Wellness Coalition provides assessment and education around the wellness needs of our community. Residential Youth Care (RYC) provides both residential and outpatient therapeutic services to youth. PeaceHealth has two psychiatrists on staff supporting community behavioral health. These are just a few of the many support services available to those in distress and their loved ones.

You are not alone. If you or a loved one are in crisis and aren’t sure where to turn, give the CARES Crisis Line a call at 907-225-2273 (CARE). For those in immediate danger to themselves or others, call 9-1-1.

Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
www.peacehealth.org/ketchikan

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