HHSA Kicks Off Suicide Prevention Campaign

A new County suicide prevention campaign aims to get people talking about their mental well-being, in hopes of saving the lives of those who are contemplating suicide. The television, radio and print ads seek to educate people about the warning signs of suicide and how to help someone who is thinking about ending his or her life.

Suicide claims the life of about one San Diegan every day. Last year, 372 suicides were reported in the region. Those cases represented 293 white victims, 42 Hispanic victims, 22 Asian victims, 10 victims who were black and 5 victims of another race. Additionally, nearly 80 percent were men.

Mental health experts believe that for every suicide, six other people who were close to the victim suffer lasting emotional trauma.