Youth Suicide Rates in Berkshire County Among Highest in Massachusetts
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – National Suicide Prevention Week is September 7th – September 13th. In recognition this week of this important topic, we call on all Berkshire County residents to get involved and take initiative.In Massachusetts suicide deaths are three times the rate of homicides deaths. In 2007, there were over 500 suicide deaths in our state, a disproportionate amount in Berkshire County. The rate of suicides has been rising all across the country for decades, and alarmingly, youth suicides’ rise has been among the most dramatic. In Berkshire County the youth suicide rate is almost two times the state rate. In western Massachusetts alone in 2007, there were over 60 youth suicide deaths.
A community-wide response is needed to stop this trend. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has responded to this crisis by specifically targeting funds for youth suicide prevention in Berkshire County. A Youth Suicide Prevention Project (YSPP) Steering Committee has been formed to complete a Community Needs & Assets Assessment to decide where the services are needed to decrease the risk of suicide. The committee consists of nine members from all over Berkshire County representing all types of organizations, health care, and academic disciplines.
This work is just beginning on an issue that affects all of us in Berkshire County. The YSPP members are asking for your support to form a Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention. We are asking any concerned citizens and anyone touched by suicide in some way – survivors of suicide attempts, loss of loved ones, etc. – to join the coalition. Youth are encouraged to join. You could help be the decision makers in deciding which services we provide in Berkshire County. This is an opportunity to make a tremendous difference in the lives or our children.
If you would like to join the Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention, or for more information, please contact Jon Phillips, Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator at (413) 447-2418 or jphillips@berkshireahec.org.
