Suicide prevention help is available

No matter how big a problem may seem, suicide is not the answer. There are organizations and groups equipped to help people work through their problems. The most difficult thing to do is ask for help. It takes courage to acknowledge and tackle this issue.

With 37,000 Americans dying by suicide annually, suicide is considered a public health problem, according to information provided by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

That's why we want to remind you of local services and helpful websites as part of World Suicide Prevention Month this month and World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10.

Grant County Mental Health is located at 840 East Plum St. in Moses Lake, while Adams County Mental Health is at 425 East Main St., Othello. Both offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After hours, help is available by phone.

The Grant County crisis number is 509-765-1717 or toll free at 877-467-4303. The crisis line number in Adams County is 509-488-5611.

For more information online, find "Hope and Healing after Suicide" on Facebook, ("To write love on her arms") and the American Association of Suicideology's website, www.suicidology.org/.

Even if you haven't been touched by suicide, we ask that you cut out this editorial and save it. Having the appropriate phone numbers and websites handy could prove life-saving.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is having its annual "Out of the Darkness Community Walk" in Wenatchee on Sept. 27. The event is a fundraising and awareness event to help those affected by suicide and raise money for suicide prevention.

Please let us know of any prevention or awareness events in Grant or Adams counties by e-mailing editor@columbiabasinherald.com.

- Editorial Board