In an effort to address what the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has dubbed "an urgent and growing public health crisis," Hawaiʻi is kicking off its very first Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month this September, alongside World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10. According to a statement obtained by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, the initiative aims to enhance public understanding of suicide prevention, education, and the supportive resources made available to those in need.
With nearly four individuals in Hawaiʻi dying from suicide every week and a total of 1,050 residents lost to this tragic outcome from 2019 to 2023, the statistics highlight a critical call to action, Governor Josh Green, who has personally experienced the sting of suicide in his family, emphasized the necessity for a stronger communal fabric and resilience in our neighborhoods to combat mental health struggles and prevent suicides while speaking to the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health; this point of view mirrors the state-wide sentiment that proactive measures are essential for change.
Men, particularly those aged between 20 and 59, constitute over three-quarters of suicide deaths in Hawaiʻi, while young women aged 15 to 19 face the highest risk for attempts, these figures underscore the expansive scope of this mental health crisis affecting diverse demographics. Dr. Deborah Goebert, co-chair of the Prevent Suicide Hawaiʻi Task Force, and Brent Oto of the Hawaiʻi United Prevention Task Force are joining forces with an array of events and training sessions dedicated to lifesaving techniques and cultivating hope within the community; they stand united in promoting a message of prevention and connection.
Hawaiʻi's officials are pulling all stops with an array of activities ranging from webinars, training sessions for various first responders in what seem to be a marathon of prevention-focused events, and the spread of crucial educational resources; these efforts are geared towards addressing various aspects of suicide and accentuating the power of one act of aloha, as Renee Yu, suicide prevention coordinator, urges the public to actively care for each other and remember that every mention of suicidal thoughts must be taken seriously, no matter the circumstance, as per Hawaiʻi State Department of Health.
Resources for those struggling are plentiful, with Hawaiʻi CARES 988 providing round-the-clock call and text services for crisis and mental health support, further enrichment is found at online platforms offering free anonymous suicide prevention training, and a range of local organizations are continuously engaged in community-focused activities. The wellness of first responders, veterans, service members, and youth are also reflected in the variety of trainings and walks that span across the islands of Hawaiʻi and extend through September, signaling a unified stance on mental health awareness.
