Bulletin 20-20
September 6, 2019
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
There is Hope and There is Help
We have all heard the tragic news that a Firefighter, friend, husband, wife, mom or dad has committed suicide more often than we can bear. When we hear this sad news, we race to provide support, guidance, and resources. We do all the things that we are capable of, but these actions are all part of the aftermath.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. During this month, attention is given to the many resources that already exist with a particular focus on the prevention of suicide and the assistance available for bereaved loved ones.
As an LAFD member, you have access to many resources. Between UFLAC and the LAFD, we have three culturally competent clinicians and 95 well-trained Peer Support Team Memberswho are just a phone call away. Contact information is available on the UFLAC webpageunder the peer support tabas well as on the LAFD Portal. In addition, the resources below provide more information regarding suicide and suicide prevention.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Didi Hirsch’s Suicide Prevention Crisis Line provides free, confidential 24-hour telephone counseling and resources to people in distress and their concerned family and friends. To speak to a counselor now, please call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Suicide Attempt Survivors Support
(424) 362-2901
Suicide Loss Survivors Support
(424) 362-2912
Suicide Prevention Center General Info.
(424) 362-2900
How to Help
Suicide is a major public health problem that affects people of all backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. While not every suicide or attempt can be prevented, most people thinking about suicide have a treatable mental illness and show signs of their distress. You can save lives by learning the warning signs and risk factors and knowing how to helpif you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.
Click HERE for additional Suicide Prevention Resources.
Visit, HealingOurOwn.org for tools and resources to get the conversation started.
We wish you all the best and we want to leave you with this reminder that we are here for you should you feel the need to talk.
Take Care!
Dr. Steve Froehlich
Director of Behavioral Health, UFLAC
MFT 7666
Cell:(818) 645-9027