National Suicide Prevention week is from 9/9 through 9/15.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among Americans, the second leading cause of death for adults age 25-34 and the third leading cause of death for youth and young adults aged 15-24.
According to the New Jersey State Health Assessment data, New Jersey’s suicide rate per 100,000 is 8.2% for the period 2013-2015.
Cape May County’s rate for the same period is 13.5% per 100,000. Our rate for youth 10-24 years of age is 6.1% per 100,000 for the period 2013-2015. The state rate for the same period is 5.5%.
Suicide has a devastating impact on everyone who knew the person who passed away. It is important that our residents know what our resources are if they are feeling overwhelmed and have suicidal thoughts.
Here in Cape May County, they can go to Cape Regional’s Emergency Room where they will be screened by mental health professionals at any time of day or night. They are also available by phone at (609) 465-5999.
Also there is the New Jersey’s Suicide Prevention Hopeline that has confidential telephone counseling and support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. That number is 1-855-654-6735.
OTHER NUMBERS:
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
800 273-8255/ 800 273-TALK
COP 2 COP ( FOR LAWENFORECEMENT AND THEIR FAMILIES)
1-866-COP-2COP/ 1-866-267-2267
NJ VET2VET (PEER COUNSELING FOR VETERANS, MEMBERS OF THE AIR/ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AND FAMILY MEMBERS
1-866-838-7654