September is Suicide Prevention Month
Greg A. Marley, LCSW
Clinical Director, NAMI Maine

Suicide is our 9th leading cause of death; we lose someone in Maine to suicide every 35 hours.  It is reflective of the increased stress and sense of hopelessness among people of all ages that suicide has been increasing across the US since 2005.  It is vital that we do not lose sight that suicide remains among the most preventable of deaths; more than 90% of people who attempt suicide do not go on to die by suicide.  Effective prevention rests on the caring concern and the connection of all of us.  In a crisis of hope, people feel all alone, and connection is the remedy to save lives.  Reach out to the people you worry about and let them know you care and their life matters!

NAMI Maine and the Maine Suicide Prevention Program work closely with the Maine Medical Association to bring training and resources to support suicide prevention within medical practices and organizations. These include:

• Annual Beyond the Basics in Suicide Prevention Conference on Thursday, October 1.  This virtual conference presents a range of clinical and nonclinical breakouts addressing prevention across diverse populations.  More information and registration here.
• Resources for information and ongoing patient support can be found on the new Suicide Prevention page on the MMA website.
• We offer a range of training opportunities, including:
  - Suicide Assessment Training for Clinicians
  - A practice-based Suicide Prevention Lunch and Learn series for clinical or non-clinical staff
  - Identification and management of Non-Suicidal Self Injury
  - Suicide Prevention Protocol Development training and support
• Visit the online Suicide Prevention Training Portal for online training modules supporting Suicide Safer practice skills.
• Consultation, resources and support for managing a significant suicidal behavior or a loss by suicide within your practice.