HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO RECOGNIZE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION
MONTH
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department joins the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Tennessee Department of Health in
recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans overall and the second leading cause
of death among young people aged 10-34, according to CDC. In Tennessee, more than 900
people die by suicide each year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death of young
Tennessee adults 15 to 24 years of age, and the second leading cause of death of adults 25 to
34 years of age.
“Suicide is a national and global epidemic,” Health Educator Amanda Johnson said. “Despite
the overwhelming number of suicide deaths, the tragedy of suicide is hidden by stigma,
myth, and shame. Suicide affects a lot of people.”
Help prevent suicide in our community by knowing the warning signs and where to get help.
The following behavioral patterns may indicate possible risk for suicide.
Talking about suicide, death, and/or no reason to live
Preoccupation with death and dying
Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities
Experience of a recent severe loss or the threat of a significant loss
Giving away prized possessions
Reckless and/or impulsive behavior
Loss of interest in personal appearance
Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department provides resources and education
throughout the year about suicide prevention. In September, we will give away bracelets with
the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number.
We encourage citizens to wear teal and purple on Sept. 10 in observance of World Suicide
Prevention Day. Citizens will notice teal wreaths at the main entrances of the health
department throughout the month remembering those affected by suicide and raising
awareness about suicide prevention. Guests are also invited to remember loved ones affected
by suicide by writing their names on a tree in the clinic lobby.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) provides access to
trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Tennessee Suicide
Prevention Network (TSPN) offers resources and training for suicide prevention. Find more
detailed information about TSPN at www.tspn.org.