DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 4, 2005 DHSS-98-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUICIDE PREVENTION CONFERENCE SCHEDULED
Suicide is a serious public health problem that devastates individuals, families, and communities. It is the 11th leading cause of death among Americans. Completed suicides are only part of the problem. More people are hospitalized or treated and released as a result of suicide attempts than are fatally injured. While suicide is often viewed as a response to a single stressful event, it is a far more complicated issue. Suicide results from complex interactions between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
In an ongoing attempt to reduce suicide, Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health is proud to sponsor Delaware's First Annual Suicide Prevention Conference entitled The Golden Link: Creating Pathways for Survival. "Suicide evokes difficult and uncomfortable reactions in most people," says Renata Henry, Division Director of Substance Abuse and Mental Health." "Too often, victims are blamed and surviving friends and family members are stigmatized. Consequently, suicide is shrouded in secrecy. This limits the amount of available information that is crucial to suicide prevention activities."
Research over the past several decades has uncovered a wealth of information on the causes of suicide and the strategies to prevent it. Many studies have identified factors that either increase or reduce the likelihood that a person will attempt or commit suicide. The conference is a chance for individuals and community partners to gather together and use this information to develop and implement prevention programs to reduce the numbers of attempted and completed suicides in Delaware.
The conference is free. Please join us at the Dover Sheraton Hotel on October 18th and 19th. October 18th's program will be focused on youth and youth suicide and is in the evening from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. October 19th's program is focused on best suicide prevention practices and is during the day from 8:00 - 4:00 pm. CME's will be offered at the day-long event. The Director of the American Association of Suicidology, Dr. Lanny Berman, will be the Keynote Speaker. Eve Moscicki from the National Institute of Mental Health and Dr. Phil Rodgers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will also be presenting. Furthermore, a panel of suicide survivors will join us to share their stories.
If you are interested in attending, please call Roberta Fishgold at 654-6833.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
