September 10, 2016 is World Suicide Prevention Day. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the 10th leading cause of death, in the U.S. in 2013. For youth in Colorado, those aged 10–9, it is the second leading cause of death, according to the Second Wind Fund, Inc. (SWF). SWF helps kids 19 and younger get the mental health treatment they need, in the hopes of reducing youth suicide.
Pairing Kids with Therapists
SWF was founded on the belief that youth suicide is preventable. What sets this group apart from other suicide prevention organizations is that SWF directly helps at-risk youth get treatment. They match kids, 19 and younger, with licensed therapists in their communities.
In keeping with its mission of “removing the financial and social barriers to treatment” the group also pays for treatment for those kids who cannot afford to pay and who do not have adequate insurance to cover it.
Humble Beginnings, Huge Results
SWF started out as a small event in Jefferson County, Colorado, in 2002. By 2014, it was serving 21 counties throughout the state, and continues to expand its service areas. The group has provided services to over 4,000 children and youth in Colorado so far.
Getting Help Now
Suicide can be prevented. If you are considering suicide, or if you know someone who is considering suicide, help is available 24 hours a day. In Colorado, you can call the Colorado Crisis Support Line at 1-844-493-TALK (8255). If you need help anywhere in the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to be connected to a trained counselor.
Read more about suicide prevention and mental health issues.
Related article:
Our parent company – Page 1 Solutions – has been supporting the Second Wind Fund and the fight to prevent teen suicide since 2005.
Read more about it here: https://www.page1solutions.com/blog/in-our-community-the-second-wind-fund.html.
About Sandra Dalton
