HeartLine raises awareness about Suicide Prevention Week September 9-15

World Suicide Prevention Day is Monday.

According to information provided by HeartLine, one person commits suicide every 14.2 minutes in the United States, and approximately 4.73 million people in this country have lost a loved one to suicide.

The suicide rate for people ages 15 to 24 has more than doubled since the mid-1950s, and it remains highest for adults 75 or older, HeartLine noted in a news release. Oklahoma ranks 12th in the nation in the number of annual deaths by suicide, and the tragic act is the second leading cause of death among Oklahomans ages 10 to 24.

Those interested in participating in efforts to prevent suicide can volunteer for HeartLine's Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative, the Healthy Education for Life Program. Volunteers make presentations about suicide at various schools and organization.

HeartLine helps Oklahomans through its 2-1-1 information and referral. Other resources include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255 (TALK), the Oklahoma Problem Gambling Helpline (800) 522-4700, the Parents Careline 848-2273 (CARE), and the Healthy Education for Life Program (HELP).