Guest written by Mingo Health Solutions, RTC Summer Heat Partner

On September 9, 2020, Governor Steve Sisolak declared the month of September 2020 as Suicide Prevention Month in the state of Nevada acknowledging suicide as not only a national public health concern, but a statewide public health concern as well. Join Mingo Health Solutions (MHS) for “Let’s Talk,” our 3rd annual suicide prevention event as we take the Governor’s call to action to heart. The event starts at 9 a.m. with four host sites. The event includes lunch, performances, speeches and voter registration. Most importantly, we’ll equip individuals and families with tools to live optimal lives by alleviating symptoms of mental and behavioral health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma that often serve as precursors to suicidal thoughts.

For many of us, the conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have caused us to experience a heightened level of fear, anxiety, stress, and worry. We may turn to unhealthy ways of coping such as increased substance use, increased smoking, isolation, sleeping more or less than usual, and over or under eating.  When issues such as these go unaddressed the risk for suicide increases.

Every 40 seconds a person dies due to suicide amounting close to 800,000 people every year globally (World Health Organization). Nevada has the 11th highest rate of suicide in the U.S. at 19.3 per 100,000 residents (Office of Suicide Prevention). Suicide is the 1st leading cause of death for Nevadans ages 12-19 and 2nd leading cause of death for ages 20-44 and ranks the 2nd highest elder suicide rate in the country (Nevada Coalition of Suicide Prevention).

More information on the upcoming event and registration, visit www.mhsbehavioralservices.com or call 702-848-1696.

You are not alone! Your community is here to help!