It’s hard to talk about suicide, but a program that encourages community awareness about the issue is trying to change that. It has added sessions to its series in central Oregon. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.
The “Hope and Help” series is largely geared towards youth suicide, with most locations at elementary or grade schools.
David Visiko is the Deschutes County Suicide Prevention Coordinator. He says getting the conversation started is key to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding the issue.
“Suicide prevention in itself is strengthened when people get trained as to whether someone is speaking of suicide," says Visiko.
"But not only just asking that question but then knowing “How do I persuade this person to get the help that they deserve?” Kinda like persuading someone to go see a particular movie or restaurant. But then knowing where those local resources are.”
A new report by the Pediatric Academic Societies shows hospitalizations of youth for suicidal thoughts or actions has doubled in the last decade.
Locations for the “Hope and Help” series in the coming weeks include Bend, La Pine, and Sisters.
Copyright 2017, KLCC.
