September 10th has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Suicide Prevention Day since its establishment in 2003. With an estimated 700,000 suicides per year worldwide, suicide is a major public health problem connected to nearly everyone.
The Division of Parole Supervision (DPS) continues to emphasize the importance of mental health through various training opportunities like Mental Health First Aid and ongoing discussions. Recently, several of our staff completed Critical Incident Stress Management training to better assist in situations of crisis. Our Agency is committed to reducing stigma, raising awareness of mental health issues, and staying connected to community resources.
“Creating Hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023. This theme serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions, we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention. By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. It also suggests that our actions, no mater how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.