NWTHS Behavioral Health Honors National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day | KAMR

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR / KCIT) – In recognition of National Suicide Awareness Day, Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) Behavioral Health is expected to host an event at the auditorium on Evans Boulevard.

Scheduled to start at 8 a.m. on September 24, the event will involve the Tascosa ROTC presenting the colors and the Chief of Police of the Amarillo Police Department presenting a special message.

National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day, as described by the NWTHS, was created “to recognize the service of officers lost by suicide, to raise awareness of suicide in law enforcement and, to remind agents and their families that they are not alone; help is available. This day will help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

“Northwest Behavioral Health wanted to organize a special event to educate the local population about mental health issues. “Said Kathleen Dostalik, CEO of NWTHS Behavioral Health,” Our goal is to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and to recognize our law enforcement agencies. Statistics show that suicides continue to rise and we want to let our community know that we have the resources to help.

Rated by the NWTHS, risk factors are characteristics that can cause a person to be more likely to consider, attempt, or die by suicide. While these factors cannot cause or predict a suicide attempt, it is important to know them and keep them in mind;

• Mental disorders – especially mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Despair
• Previous suicide attempts
• Family history of suicide
• Employment or financial loss

This event also came after the latest COVID-19 briefing from the town of Amarillo, in which Dr. Weis of NWTHS described himself as “a little numb” following a member of the Amarillo medical community. who committed suicide, and reminded the community about Suicide Awareness Month.

“In honor of my friend… take care of your mental health,” Dr. Weis asked the community, and encouraged those struggling to speak out to access support and care resources. Mental Health.

Dr Gonzalez of Amarillo VA also commented on the month, noting that about 20 veterans kill themselves per day. – Too much, he said.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, and NWTHS Behavioral Health can be reached at 806-354-1810 for assistance.