Suicide Prevention

It is estimated that only one in four suicides are reported and there are approximately 25 attempts for each death. The numbers are staggering as this public health concern continues to increase.

In Michigan, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death for all ages.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death among persons aged 15-34 years. More than twice as many people die by suicide annually than by homicide.

In 2017, Michigan Department of Community Health reported that Shiawassee County had 19 deaths by suicide, which is an increase from the previous year.  Most suicides were completed by individuals between the age 25-74.

Given these facts, it is important to bring prevention and awareness to our community. Each year Shiawassee Prevention Network, Shiawassee Suicide Prevention Coalition, Shiawassee Health and Wellness, and Baker College partner to host a Suicide Prevention Walk to raise awareness, educate the public about the signs and symptoms of suicide, and to support those who are hurting from the loss of a loved one who died by suicide.

We believe that suicide is never the answer to a problem.  It’s hard to see alternatives when you are in crisis, but they do exist.

It’s important to know that most people who consider suicide do not want to die – they want their pain to go away.  Pain can be helped in other ways.  Life’s painful times do not last forever, even if it feels like they will.  Having suicidal thoughts is nothing to be ashamed of.  It is something to get help for.

If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm or suicide, there is hope and help is available. Please reach out to a parent, friend, or trusted adult. Or call or text the Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Help is available 24/7. You matter and you are important.

The Shiawassee Suicide Prevention Coalition is a team of like-minded community members and business partners working together to prevent mental illness and suicide. We coordinate local efforts in mental health and suicide awareness and education including trainings and media campaigns. For the past several years, the coalition has organized a local Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk on the 2nd Tuesday in September starting at Fitness Coliseum in Owosso. More information can be found below and on our Facebook page.