September is Suicide Prevention Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there is a death by suicide every 12 minutes. The Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that public safety employees are three times more likely to die from suicide. County staff came together to raise awareness of the risk of suicide on Sept. 18.

The CDC identifies suicide as the second-leading cause of death among school-age youth.

The County, in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, launched a suicide prevention campaign in 2017 to highlight information for teens and others about how to help someone who may be thinking about suicide. The website, www.BTheOne.org was designed by local resident Ray Crist and includes information useful for teens, as well as family members and adults.

To learn more about how to help someone in jeoparady of attempting suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The Montgomery County Crisis Center also offers free 24-hour telephone and walk-in help at 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville.