CONTACT:
Jennifer Costa
The Samaritans, Inc.
103 Roxbury St., Suite 304 Keene, NH 03431
(603) 357-5510

Suicide Prevention Week for 2005 is set for September 4 through 10. New Hampshire ranks 39th in the nation in its rate of suicidal deaths. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States with one suicide occurring on average every 17 minutes. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death nationally among 15- to 24-year-olds but is the 2nd leading cause of death in New Hampshire, second only to accidents. The elderly make up 12.3% of the population, but comprise 17.5% of all suicides. Approximately 800,000 Americans attempt suicide each year. It is estimated that five million living Americans have attempted to kill themselves. Every year in the United States, more than 17,000 men and women kill themselves with a gun; two-thirds more than the number who use a gun to kill another person. An estimated 4.47 million Americans are survivors of the suicide of a friend, family member, or loved one.

Executive Director, Jennifer Costa of The Samaritans, Inc. is knowledgeable in the areas of suicide risk assessment and offers trainings to members of the community on how to recognize the risk factors and warning signs for suicide so that they can recognize if someone that they know is at risk.

This year’s Suicide Prevention Week takes place from September 4th through September 10th. This year’s theme is “Partnerships for Change: Advancing Suicide Prevention Services & Practice”. Please consider joining the partnership to reduce the incidence and impact of suicide in our state by attending one of the Communication Saves Lives Program that are being held in the Monadnock Region. The first program is being held from 6pm – 7pm on September 6th at Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Service 312 Marlboro St. in Keene. The second program will be held from 6pm – 7pm on September 7th at The Family Center 44-46 Concord St (Route 202 North) in Peterborough. These programs are free but pre-registration is required by September 2nd. To pre-register for either of these programs, please call The Samaritans, Inc. business offices at (603) 357-5510.

To arrange an interview or for further information, please contact Jennifer Costa at (603) 357-5510