The
Bluffton Blufft n Sun September 17, 2024 • Volume 27, Issue 18 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
Sharks’ hot start fueled by run game, defense 12A
September is Suicide Prevention Month: Here’s what you need to know BY ROB PEARSON, M.S. Contributor In 2023, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control. There were 49,931 Americans who took their lives that year, the highest number in history, and higher than those who died from the flu, hypertension, renal disease or Parkinson disease. Additionally, approximately 5% of adults in the U.S. (12,860,000) had serious thoughts of suicide. Leading public health experts agree that America is facing a mental health crisis. “One life lost to suicide is one too many. Yet too many people still believe asking for help is a sign of weakness. We must continue to eliminate the stigmatization of mental health and make care available to all Americans.” - U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra “Loss of life from these tragedies are preventable, and everyone can play a role in efforts to save lives and reverse the rise in suicidal deaths.” - CDC Chief Medical
Historic Bluffton Foundation’s Gullah Spirituals Concert 30A
Officer Debra Houry “Mental Health has become the defining public health and societal challenge of our time. Far too many people and their families are suffering and feeling along.” - U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS CRISIS? The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline have developed five steps to
10 th Annual
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on the Sound Saturday, October 19th | 6PM
Scan the QR code or visit: PortRoyalSoundFoundation.org/NOTS PRSF thanks our 2024 Sound Stewards Presenting Sponsor: The Boathouse
assist people from the risk of suicide and to show support when they are in crisis. 1. Ask: Asking and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicide ideation. 2. Help Keep Them Safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to lethal means is important. 3. Be There: Increase connectiveness
PREVENTION CONT. ON PAGE 3A
Reflection and resilience: a new year amid tragedy
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The top 3 advantages of nonsurgical knee treatment: a path to effective relief 50A