By SheriLee Norris
Collegian file art
Recognizing intent is just the first step in suicide prevention.
One should also have an understanding of what to do next. There may be a life on the line — and knowing what to do could make the difference.
“Don’t let somebody create a permanent fix to a temporary problem,” said Chris Hunt, NE veteran services counselor.
Students, faculty and staff can learn the signs to save a life at Suicide Prevention: ASK Gatekeeper Training 12:30-2 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Community Room (NBSS 1103) on NE Campus. Speakers include special services coordinator Ronda Isaacs, counselor Lydia Narvarez and Hunt.
Time is of the essence when potential suicide is involved. Someone may not have time to Google it. While students sit in a 50-minute class, at least four more people die by their own hand in the United States. The American Association of Suicidology reports that from 2013 to 2014, an average of one person every 12.3 minutes killed themselves.
Over “40,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States. It is the 10th-leading cause of death,” according to the National Institute for Mental Health. Murder lags behind at 17th.
