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News release
September 19, 2022
As September is marked as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, health officials are reminding Minnesotans that suicide can be prevented, that recovery is possible and that help is available anytime by calling 988.
Earlier this summer, the US launched a nationwide three-digit dialing code – 988 – for suicide prevention and crisis support. After switching to 988 on July 16, calls to Minnesota’s four call centers increased 44 percent. Minnesota saw a 173% increase in web chats (as of January 2022) and a 250% increase in texts to 988. This increase is believed to be significant because the new 988 dialing option makes it easier to remember how to reach a trained person. Counselor for Suicidality Support and Resources. Minnesota received 33,887 calls, 4,099 chats and 1,306 texts in 2021.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Minnesota’s four call centers provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Deaths by suicide or intentional self-harm have increased in Minnesota over the past 20 years, so the need for 988 support services continues to be high. According to preliminary data, there will be 777 suicides by 2021, reflecting a trend across the United States. This is the seventh year in a row that more than 700 Minnesotans have taken their own lives. Additionally, more than 10,000 cases of self-harm or suicidality are treated by health care providers in Minnesota each year.
“We know the past few years have been incredibly challenging mentally, emotionally and physically for many Minnesotans,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “Please use this awareness month to reach out to the people in your life and consider reminding them that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available to anyone who needs crisis or mental health support.”
Community leaders, community organizations, and employers can take steps to prevent suicide:
- Share resources on 988 and other crisis services.
- bring Suicide prevention training To your school, faith community, workplace or other community.
- Share suicide prevention messages and resources on social media. of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Messaging Toolkit It can help you get started.
- Promote other programs in the community that encourage positive, healthy activities and spaces for connection.
Minnesota has four 988 call centers. Carver County Health and Human Services, Mental Health Crisis Program; First call; FirstLink; And Grand Twin United Way.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is one of several initiatives in Minnesota to help prevent suicide, including mental health training for school staff and the Zero Suicide Initiative.
Minnesota started offering. Cognito at risk Mental health training for school staff at no cost in May 2020. Kognito At-Risk is a virtual training that provides role-playing examples to help teachers and school staff understand mental health and recognize signs of stress. More than 13,215 school employees in Minnesota have taken Kognito At-Risk.
In addition, Kognito’s Friend2Friend is a curriculum for students in grades 6-12 that teaches about emotional and mental well-being and how to support classmates who are struggling. So far, 757 students in eight school districts have completed Kognito Friend2Friend.
Another is motivation. Zero suicideA Framework for Improving Suicidality and Self-Injury Care in Health Care and Behavioral Health Clinics and Organizations. This initiative helps identify people with suicidal thoughts and connects them to resources and treatment. It also focuses on ensuring that clinicians and staff receive adequate training in suicide prevention and intervention. In Minnesota, 36 health and behavioral health care systems have committed to adopting the Zero Suicide Framework and completed the first Zero Suicide Training.
For those who talk about suicide or do news stories, please review MDH Suicide (PDF) secure message.
– MDH
Media Inquiries:
Scott Smith
MDH Communications
651-503-1440
scott.smith@state.mn.us
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