Starting Point
Press Release
Contact:Laureen Pagel, Ph.D, CEO
904.225.8280
[email protected]
September 8, 2020
Starting Point Programs to Address Suicide Awareness and Prevention Throughout September
More than 44,000 Americans die by suicide every year, ac-cording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Suicide is a devastating blow to friends and family members, who often were unaware of the signs and symptoms that their loved one was thinking about suicide,” said Start-ing Point CEO Dr. Laureen Pagel. “We feel it is very important to raise the awareness of this issue in our community, and provide helpful information and services to those at risk, or who are survivors of suicide.”
September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, and Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare is focusing on this important and emotional subject all month long, includ-ing on September 10, which is designated World Suicide Prevention Day. From social media posts to virtual programs on the topic, Starting Point is working to share infor-mation with the community and provide tips on suicide prevention to #StopSuicide.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Noon, Starting Point will present a virtual program on Zoom titled “Suicide is Preventable: Be the 1 to Help.” The free session is part of its ongoing series called Being Well, Starting Now, a discussion group open to anyone. Registra-tion for the program is at www.SPBH.org.
On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, Starting Point has a month-long campaign in September to talk about the subject that is often only whispered about. Additional re-sources are available on the website at www.SPBH.org.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK). If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact Starting Point 24/7 at 904-206-1756 (adults) or 904-580-0529 (child/adolescent).
About Starting Point
Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare provides mental health and substance abuse treatment services to children, teens and adults in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. The non-profit agency serves more than 3,900 individuals each year and has been serving the region for more than 25 years. Starting Point is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information, visit spbh.org.