September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness month and St. Luke’s Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is working to raise awareness. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an average of 129 deaths by suicide occur per day and there are an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts per year. Talk of suicide should never be dismissed. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

 

Located at 50 Hospital Drive, Suite 2B in Columbus, Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression often related to aging. The Senior Life Solutions program staff is trained in the use of standardized, evidence-based tools for screening patients at risk of suicide. In addition, the staff assists the patient to create a plan to prevent future suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts.

 

Following an individual assessment, patients meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting. The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, a licensed counselor, a registered nurse, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in our community.

“According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, elder suicide rates rank second highest nationally and are often the result of untreated depression,” said Paula Hipp, Senior Life Solutions program director. “It is imperative we connect older adults to resources, such as Senior Life Solutions, to help prevent this unnecessary loss of lives.”

If you or a loved one is interested in seeking help through Senior Life Solutions, contact Paula Hipp, RN, at 828-894-9890. For more information, visit www.SaintLukesHospital.com 

Submitted by Becky Rickenbaker

 

Paula Hipp, RN