September in Hawai‘i brings more than just the end of summer. It's a time marked for crucial outreach and support with the designation as "Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month." With this annual observance, a grim reality is confronted—a reality where, as reported by the official State of Hawai'i, nearly four residents die by suicide every week in Hawai‘i.
These aren’t just numbers; they represent a continuous struggle with devastating consequences for families and communities. While men, notably those aged 30 to 59, account for more than 76% of suicide deaths, young women, particularly those between 15 to 19 years old, have shown higher rates of suicide attempts. A multifaceted approach tailor-made to address the complex nature of this issue appears critical, and throughout September, Hawai‘i is seeing a slew of events aimed at prevention, from sign-waving to workshops to walks that are helping to shine a light on this pervasive issue.
"Behind every statistic is a life cut short, leaving behind a family forever changed," Governor Josh Green, M.D. commented, "Every person we reach, every connection we make and every resource we can provide, brings us closer to a future where fewer families in Hawai‘i experience this devastating loss," as per a statement issued through State of Hawaii official channels. To help achieve their bold goal of reducing suicide by 25%, volunteers and organizations are channeling their efforts towards public education and advocacy. They also provide essential support and resources for those in need.
According to the State of Hawaii, Denis Hida, chair of the Hawai‘i chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, reinforced the continuous push toward greater public awareness, affirming, "We continue our bold goal to reduce suicide by 25% in Hawai‘i, by raising awareness of suicide prevention, helping to fund critical research, advocating for vital resources and being a safe place where people are supported and better understood." It’s an ambitious goal but one that captures the essence of the month’s spirited efforts.
According to the State of Hawaii, the state isn’t shying away from the distressing data revealed by the 2023 Hawaiʻi Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Findings show that 34% of middle school students and 35% of high school students have felt sad or hopeless for an extended period, causing them to disengage from activities, with a significant portion even considering suicide. Keli Acquaro, administrator for DOH Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD), weighed in, "Every child deserves to feel seen, heard and supported when it comes to their mental health." Moreover, Renee Yu, suicide prevention coordinator for DOH EMSIPSB, underlined the power of connection as the most potent tool in suicide prevention.
