September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Saturday, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. In honor of this month and day, West Valley Medical Center colleagues tied purple and turquoise ribbons around the hospital. These color ssymbolize suicide awareness and prevention and serveas a reminder that suicide is an issue we need to talk about.
"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,in 2020 oneperson died by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States. It's a startling statistic, but I want to empower people to take the time to reach out to someone. You don't need to have all of the answers. Anyone can help. Lending an ear is a form of prevention," said Erica Clemens, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Director of Behavioral Health at West Valley Medical Center.
Clemens and her Behavioral Health team at West Valley launched a Kindness Rock Garden this month in front of the hospital as a way to spread more cheer in our world. Community members are invited to take a painted rock that has a sweet saying for inspiration, share one formotivation, or leave one to help our garden grow.
"You can give someone hope by showing that you care. Even if it's painting a kind message to them on a rock that reminds them, they matter," said Clemens.
Free, confidential suicide and crisis counseling is available 24/7 through the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).