Twenty years ago, "suicide" was just a word to me. That was before I began working as a mental health professional and learned that more than 90 percent of those who eventually complete suicide had a diagnosable mental illness at the time of their deaths.
Now that word has inspired action, inspired me to make suicide prevention my life's mission. Sadly, suicide is currently the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., taking an enormous toll on families, friends and entire communities.
That is why on Feb. 9, I traveled to our nation's capital to meet with my members of congress to urge their support of legislation furthering suicide prevention, education and research. My involvement is part of a national movement coordinated by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention as part of its annual advocacy forum.
Hundreds of advocates from across the country met with their members of Congress that day and encouraged their support for suicide prevention.
Even if you haven't been personally affected by suicide, please take a moment to visit www.afsp.org and learn how you can get involved here in Alabama.
Rose Blakey-Phillips
Dothan
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