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Program raising suicide awareness

PHILIPPI — September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness month and Broaddus Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is working to raise awareness. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an average of 129 deaths by suicide occur per day and there are an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts per year. Talk of suicide should never be dismissed. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

“We are pleased to participate in this nationwide suicide prevention initiative,” said Senior Life Solutions Program Director Donetta McVicker, BSN, RN. “It is so important to support our community by raising awareness to help decrease the rate of suicide.”

The group is hosting a week-long awareness promotion from Sept. 9-13. Activities include a memorial table for families who have lost loved ones to suicide, educational materials and professional staff who will be on hand to answer questions.

On Sept. 12, the public is invited to add a handprint to a “helping hands banner” and enjoy light refreshments from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All activities will take place at Senior Life Solutions located at One healthcare Drive on the campus of Broaddus Hospital.

Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression often related to aging.

Program staff is trained in the use of standardized, evidence-based tools for screening patients at risk of suicide. In addition, the staff assists the patient to create a plan to prevent future suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts.

Following an individual assessment, patients meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting.

The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a registered nurse, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in our community.

Patients may benefit from the Senior Life Solutions program if they recently experienced a traumatic event, are grieving the loss of a loved one, have experienced changes in sleep, appetite, or mood, or have lost interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, self-referral, or another healthcare professional.

For more information, call the Broaddus Hospital Senior Life Solutions program at 304-457-8132.

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