Did You Know 44-Thousand Americans Commit Suicide Annually?

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Over 44-thousand Americans commit suicide each year in our country. There is one suicide for every 25 attempts in the U.S. With these statistics in mind, The Adams County Suicide Prevention Coalition has launched a website, www.acsuicideprevention.org, as part of its suicide prevention campaign. “Funded by a grant from the Tracy Family Foundation, and designed by Media Development, the website provides helpful information about depression and suicide, what to do if you, a family member, or friend is struggling with suicidal thoughts, and what mental health resources are available in the area,” said Barb Baker Chapin, Director of Development, Transitions of Western Illinois, a member of the Coalition. “We hope people will visit acsuicideprevention.org.  We believe it will be a great resource for residents of the area.”

Earlier this year the Coalition launched a Facebook and Instagram page. The Adams County Suicide Prevention Coalition’s goal is to provide suicide prevention information to people of all ages in various formats and media. “The Coalition’s mission is very simple, but very important”, said Baker Chapin, “when we can talk openly and directly about suicide, we can provide information that can increase the public’s awareness of this tragedy and prevent it.  This, very simply, is the Coalition’s goal.”

The Adams County Suicide Prevention Coalition was founded by Transitions of Western Illinois and the Blessing Health System. Today, the Coalition also consists of the Quincy Public and Parochial school systems, John Wood Community College, the Adams County Mental Health Partnership, numerous social service agencies and concerned citizens.

If you would like to support the Adams County Suicide Prevention Coalition’s efforts, please contact Barbara Baker Chapin at 217-223-0413.

Suicide Prevention Services of America also has a hotline you can call if you are suicidal. that number is: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).