The Administrator of the Behavioral Health Services of the Dept of Health, Dr Siitia Soliai-Lemusu declares that we are at a crisis with youth suicides.
In the first three weeks of 2021 three young people have died from suicide. Another incident involving an older person is under investigation.
The DOH official said on the Morning Show today there were 11 suicide deaths last year and 6-7 attempted suicide cases which were admitted to the LBJ Hospital.
Dr Soliai-Lemusu and Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Counselor Dr. Julia Foifua said government agencies met yesterday to map out strategies to prevent loss of life from suicides.
The ages of suicide victims last year were 14-36.
There’s agreement that a school based plan is needed to recognize the signs of suicide and prevent loss of life. Dr. Fo’ifua said however there’s currently no such plan.
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