Suicide. It’s not something people like to talk about but it’s also something that shouldn’t be ignored. That’s why the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is teaming up with other state agencies to raise awareness of the sobering realities of suicide, especially among young people.
Statistics released Wednesday by the GBI’s Child Fatality Review Unit show 23 children under the age of 18 have killed themselves in Georgia in 2018.
For every young person who dies by suicide, national statistics indicate 25 others will attempt to take their own lives.
In the past year, Georgia hospitals have admitted more than 1,000 children for suicide-related causes.
The Georgia Child Fatality Review (GCFR) Panel released the latest in its ongoing series of public service announcements aimed at raising awareness of youth suicide
The video features adults who share their experiences with their loved ones who have considered or attempted suicide. These are parents, siblings, and experts who have seen this crisis firsthand and want to raise awareness for others to continuously seek help for children in crisis.
Parents and teachers are in a key position to pick up on these signs and get help, according to GCFR.
Joining GCFR in this prevention effort are Voices for Georgia’s Children, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Family and Children Services, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Individuals who exhibit signs of suicide, or identify signs of suicide in others, can call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225. The line is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
All calls are free and confidential.
For more information on available mental health services in Georgia, visit the Georgia Collaborative Administrative Services Organization (Georgia Collaborative ASO) online.
