The Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare announces that September has been designated as Suicide Prevention Month. Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the pandemic only made a bad situation worse when it comes to mental health and wellness in America.
In 2021:
- The U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes
- For people aged 10–14 and 25–34 years, suicide was the second-leading cause of death
- Suicide rates increased significantly among non-Hispanic Black & American Indian and Alaska Native people
The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare remind everyone of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Now people can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be: thoughts of suicide; mental health or substance use crises; and emotional distress.
We also remind all local residents that First Choice Healthcare offers Mental Health Services. Through our partnership with North Central Behavioral Health Services, as well as our own Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Mental Health Therapists, First Choice Healthcare is pleased to be able to offer this support to our community.
There are many reasons an individual may seek treatment. Our providers are prepared to support patients aged 5 and above who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse and addictions, behavior problems, bipolar disorder, family/parenting issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and other related disorders, sexual assault, suicide prevention, trauma and loss.
For more information on Mental Health services or to schedule an appointment simply call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272! Help and understanding are just a phone call away.
