S uicide is a public health crisis that affects individuals and families across all demographics. In Dane County alone, an average of 65-70 lives are lost to suicide annually, with hundreds more hos- pitalized due to suicide attempts. Safe Communities of Madison and Dane County recognizes that behind these statistics are real people, and that suicide is often preventable through education, treat- ment, and support. This article will speak to the community-based strategies that Safe Communities employs to combat this crisis and underscores the critical role of community engagement in these efforts. Education is a cornerstone of suicide prevention. By raising awareness about the signs of suicide and the fact that 90% of those who die by suicide have a treatable mental illness or substance abuse disorder, Safe Communities aims to empower individuals to seek help for themselves or others. Workshops, seminars, and public campaigns are just a few of the ways the organization disseminates crucial information to the public. Treatment is equally important. Safe Communities advocates for accessible mental health services and substance abuse treatment options. The organization has compiled a comprehensive list of treat- ment facilities and programs, including Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT), Outpatient Treatment (OP), Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP), Residential programs, Partial Hospitaliza- tion Programs (PHP), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). By providing a roadmap to these resources, Safe Communities ensures that individuals seeking help can find the support they need to recover. Support extends beyond treatment. Safe Communities' Recovery Coaching program exemplifies this, offering peer support from individuals who have personal experience with substance misuse or 10 | safercommunity.net 2352 S Park St, Suite 302, Madison, WI 53713 SUICIDE PREVENTION A COMMUNITY APPROACH TO SAVING LIVES
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