To the Editor:

Did you know that over 39,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States? These are more than just numbers; they represent our family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

September is Suicide Prevention Month.  What better time for our communities to learn more about suicide and how to prevent it?

Learning some of the key suicide warning signs such as feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and family, and making suicidal statements can help save lives. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or just needs to talk, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Help is available 24 hours a day, every day.

Similar to the campaign “See Something, Say Something” — the same applies here.  If you know of someone in need of help or mental health distress, support him or her by sharing local or national mental health resources.  Visit www.afsp.org for resources. It takes a village and everyone has a part to play. 

Another way the community can help is by participating in the upcoming Capital Region Out of the Darkness Walk for R.I.T.A. on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the historic Saratoga Race Course.  [R.I.T.A. stands for Remembrance, Intervention, Together we can bring Awareness and also honors Rita Leighton who took her life in 2004.]

Whether or not you have been personally touched by suicide, I encourage you to participate.

The money raised at this event will support the mission of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org) by funding national and local suicide prevention programs and research. 

To register for the walk, please visit www.afsp.org/capitalregionny or call 791-1544.

Together, we can save lives.

Cassandra Pratt

Troy