Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

A Message from Richard Porth         

President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut  

Suicide is an issue that affects all Americans. Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data reported in April 2016 show that from 1999 through 2014, suicide rates increased 24 percent in the general population for both males and females.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention shows that in Connecticut suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people and the 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-54. In many cases the individuals, friends and families affected by suicide are left in the dark, feeling shame or stigma that prevents talking openly about issues dealing with suicide.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month which helps promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide prevention. Learn more about risk factors and warning signs at http://www.preventsuicidect.org/.

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.

Mental Health Crisis Intervention Services

Mental health problems are common, but help is available. Often people don’t get the mental health support that they need because they don’t know where to start.

Resources include mental health crisis intervention services that are provided by teams of mental health workers (psychiatrists, RN’s, MSW’s, psychologists) who intervene in situations where an individual’s mental or emotional condition results in behavior which constitutes an imminent danger to him or herself or to another. Mobile crisis teams visit people in their homes or community sites, and others meet clients in clinics or hospital emergency rooms. Psychiatric emergency rooms and mental health facilities can provide services to people in crisis.

 Use these resources to find the help you, your friends, or family need.

Veteran Stand Down Resource Fair

‘Stand Down’ is a one-day resource and service fair where Connecticut Veterans can receive a variety of services including medical screenings, state and federal benefit information, and employment and educational assistance. The event will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016, 7am-3pm at the Connecticut Veterans Home, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill.

The Stand Down event is free for veterans, and free bus transportation to the event is available from designated pickup points throughout the state. Veterans are encouraged to pre-register, and can find the registration form and additional information about the event on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website here.

2-1-1 has information about a variety of services and resources available to veterans. Visit the 2-1-1 Veterans resource page online at this link or dial 2-1-1 for more information.

CT Launches New Emergency Preparedness App    

The State of Connecticut has launched a new smartphone app designed to inform residents about emergencies. The app allows residents to communicate with family members during an emergency and provides real-time notifications including emergency news, state office closings, public safety messages and up-to-the-minute information for residents. It also locates Connecticut Emergency Management contacts and provides emergency preparation guides.

The app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes Apple Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices by searching the keyword “CT Prepares.”  It was developed jointly by DESPP and Connecticut Interactive.