Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami today proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month for the County of Kaua‘i.
Mayor Kawakami was joined by members of the Prevent Suicide Kaua‘i Task Force and Chief of Police Todd Raybuck at the Līhu‘e Civic Center today, Sept. 15.
Photo caption: (From left to right) Chief of Police Todd Raybuck, Madeline Hiraga-Nuccio, Gina Kaulukukui, Patricia Wistinghausen, and Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami.
“I ask the people of the Kaua‘i to help raise awareness of local and national mental health and suicide prevention resources available to our communities and encourage all those in need to seek the care and treatment necessary for a long and healthy life,” said Mayor Kawakami.
For those experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers a free 24/7 hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or a National Crisis Text Line, 741741. There is also a local program called Crisis Line of Hawai‘i at 1-800-753-6879. This, too is a 24/7 service.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has a Hawai‘i chapter. For more information on AFSP Hawaii, visit its website at https://afsp.org/chapter/afsp-hawaii//
This service is aimed at assisting Veterans in crisis, https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Lastly, for general information on suicide prevention – including common questions and myths, data and statistics, and other resources and links – visit the state Department of Health website at http://health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/suicide-prevention/information/
If at any time you feel you are in danger or have an emergency, don't hesitate to call 911