KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, and Gryphon Place in Kalamazoo is reminding citizens of this serious issue.
According to an official press release by Gryphon Place, suicide is the tenth highest cause of death in the country with around 44,000 a year.
Through September, Gryphon Place will be hosting several public events to create awareness for Suicide Prevention.
Some of these events are as follows:
• 6th Annual Gryphon Place Suicide Prevention Walk, September 28th at Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo
• safeTALK trainings September 7th and 24th. The 7th is at Child and Family Services, andthe 24th is at Gryphon Place.
• Mental Health First Aid: Adult Focused, September 9th at Gryphon Place
• Mental Health First Aid: Youth Focused, September 17th at Gryphon Place
• Latitude 42 dine-to-donate September 9th
• Blaze Pizza dine-to-donate September 26th
• BookBug and this is a bookstore book fair fundraiser, September 14th
• 4rd Annual Messages of Hope Community Performance, September 19th at CityScape
More information and a full list of events can be found at www.gryphon.org/events. Citizens are reminded that some events require registration in advance.
Gryphon Place is also reminding citizens about signs of suicide to watch for in friends and family by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center:
• Talking about death or dying
• Looking for ways to kill themselves
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increased use of drugs or alcoho
• Displaying extreme mood swings
A family member or friend can be helped with the following tips:
• Listen to what the person is saying, be sympathetic and nonjudgmental
• Ask if they have had thoughts of suicide and take the person seriously
• Do not leave the person alone
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
• If a suicide attempt seems imminent, call your local crisis line (269-381-HELP)
Further resources are as follows:
• Dial 2-1-1 for access to local mental health services and resources
• Call 381-HELP to talk to a crisis worker
• Call 9-1-1 or go to a local emergency room for immediate crisis intervention
• Visit www.gryphon.org for resources and suicide prevention tips
More prevention help can be found at https://www.gryphon.org/services/suicide-prevention.
In case of immediate emergency, citizens can call the 24/7 helpline 269-381-HELP(4357).
