September 6, 2010 – Hilo, Hawaii
Video by David Corrigan
Mayor Billy Kenoi declared Sept. 5-11 as Suicide Prevention Week with a special proclamation from the lanai of his office on Friday, Sept. 3rd.
The Suicide Prevention Task Force will be holding a number of events to raise awareness in Hilo, which coincides with statewide events. The task force includes members of the County of Hawaii-Prosecutors Office, Office of Aging, Dept. of Health, Dept. of Education, Community Mental Health, Hospice, Veterans Affairs, Veteran’s Center, Hawaii Police Department, Child Welfare Services, Hilo Medical Center and numerous other private providers.
According to the mayor’s proclamation, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and the third leading cause of death amongst 15 to 24 year olds. Hawaii has the 35th highest rate of suicide in the country, and rates are said to be 35% higher on the outer islands, with the highest on the Big Island and Kauai.
Depression screenings will be available at the UHH Campus Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The free screenings will be administered by Anne Sturgis, Emily Malate, Sandra Takamine and Diane Robinson. On Thursday, (Sept. 9) a number of sign wavings will take place around the island: HOPACO in Hilo, in front of the Federal Bldg. on Waianuenue Ave., at the new Pahoa Fire Station, on the corner at Kalanianaole and Kanoelehua in Hilo and in Ka’u and along Hamakua at a location to be announced. Signs were designed by a group of students from Russell Cummins Kea’au High School class and Waiakea High School Key Club members.
| Charmaine Alameda talks about suicide prevention
Get
the Flash Player to see this player. (September 3, 2010 – Hilo, Hawaii) Charmaine Alameda, mental health supervisor with the Hawaii Family Guidance Center, talks about the goal of Suicide Prevention Week: raising awareness about the tragedy and overcoming its taboo stigma. |
by Big Island Video News
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STORY SUMMARY
September 6, 2010 – Hilo, Hawaii Video by David Corrigan Mayor Billy Kenoi declared Sept. 5-11 as Suicide Prevention Week with a special proclamation from the lanai of his office on Friday, Sept. 3rd. The Suicide Prevention Task Force will be holding a number of events to raise awareness in Hilo, which coincides with statewide […]