Suicide calls to 211 continue to rise in struggling economy

September 4, 2009- 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast reported a 17% increase in suicide calls for Palm Beach County and a 20% increase for Treasure Coast Counties when comparing the first six months of 2008 & 2009. Nationally, as well as internationally, suicide is recognized as a major public health concern. September 6 th through the 12 th marks National Suicide Prevention Week, with September 10 th acknowledged as a day of global awareness. In the State of Florida, suicide is the 9 th leading cause of death. Each year it is estimated that over two thousand Floridians take their own lives. This is more than twice the number of homicides and significantly higher than the number of HIV related deaths.

One reason for the increase in suicide calls, said Susan Buza, 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast Executive Director, is the continuing economic struggle. "We've gotten many calls this year from people who are thinking about suicide because of financial problems," Buza said. She noted that during this same six month comparison period, calls requesting information about financial assistance rose from 24% of total calls to 29% of total calls.

"When we get a call from someone contemplating suicide," said Buza, "our main task is to de-escalate the situation and help the caller find a reason to go on living. We will stay on the line for as long as that takes.

"We connect callers with available resources," she continued, "or, if they want to hang up, we try to get a commitment from them to call us back if they start feeling despondent again." Susan adds: "If you are concerned about yourself, a loved one, or someone you know, dial 2-1-1 any time of day or night."

211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast is a nationally accredited agency with highly trained Resource Specialists providing crisis intervention, information, assessment and referral to community services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Programs and services are available for people of all ages. Interpreters are also available for non-English speaking callers. For more information dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211palmbeach.org or www.211treasurecoast.org. Teens can also visit www.teen211pbtc1.org.