STATE SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS HIGHLIGHTED
November 15 - Lt.
Governor Aiona addressed the need to take more preventative measures in
reducing suicide and suicide attempts at the first statewide suicide
prevention conference in Hawai`i.
“Suicide is a critical public health issue in Hawai`i and our nation,” said
Lt. Governor Aiona. “We must work together on the federal, state and local
levels to prevent these people from attempting to end their lives.”
Someone in our state commits suicide every three days, Lt. Governor Aiona
said. And for every suicide, roughly 12 suicides were attempted.
Only recently have the knowledge and tools become available to approach
suicide as a preventable public health problem, with realistic opportunities
to save many lives.
Among the new tools is the gatekeeper training program. The Department of
Health has been working closely with the Department of Education and
community partners to provide gatekeeper training throughout the
state.
“Gatekeeper training is an important, evidence-based tool to identify and
take proactive measures to prevent suicide,” said Lt. Governor Aiona.
As a member of the national advisory council for the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration, Lt. Governor Aiona participated in
discussions last September to steer national policy-making decisions on
suicides, which have increased nationally among people under the age of
25.
“Our Administration is committed to reducing suicide and suicide attempts
in our state,” said Lt. Governor Aiona.
