By Cassime Joseph

As the tenth leading cause of death in America, suicide is still on the rise. In Pueblo, Colo. the suicide rate is higher than the national rate. According to the Chieftain, in 2005, over 790 people committed suicide, and still one of the high-rated cities for suicide. 

According to the Colorado Vital Statistics Program, suicide counts in Pueblo County have been on an overall rise from 2004 to 2019.

With the school year in full swing, our students and the community need to understand how important it is to discuss with our families about suicide prevention. 

Performing at a high standard from peers and parents can be very stressful. According to a student of Colorado State University Pueblo who declined to give a name. The student explained that anxiety feels even worse when you are from another part of the country and you are trying to fit in. 

The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Pueblo County was born because of the disturbingly high rate of suicide in Pueblo County. The non-profit organization was founded in October 2018 to combat suicide.

According to their website, “we value collaboration above all else and believe there should be ‘no wrong door’ when seeking help for yourself or someone you know/love.” 

The coalition is open to anyone who wants to join in reducing suicide in Pueblo County. For more information, visit their website at pueblosuicideprevention.org. 

The Suicide Prevention Coalition’s goal is to decrease the rate of suicide by 20% by 2024 through improving connectedness, increasing economic stability, providing education and awareness, improving access to responsive care, endorsing mean lethal safety and placing importance on postvention. 

Another source for CSU Pueblo is Pack CARES. This program helps students, faculty and staff of the college to identify and address concerns or find resource services such as counseling on suicide prevention. 

The Pack CARES Team works to ensure that members of the university community are in a secure physical and emotional environment and promote peace of mind for friends and family. For more information on Pack CARE, go online to www.csupueblo.edu/pack-cares/.

Talking to a family or friend about your thoughts is very helpful. Staying with someone you can trust, as staying by yourself may not be safe, can also be helpful depending on the situation. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is another way you can contact someone if you are alone. 

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a network that provides support 24/7 and is available for anyone experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It is a toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8. The United States hosts more than 200 crisis centers. 

As Pueblo, Colo. continues to support those struggling and fight against suicide, The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Pueblo County and other programs in Pueblo. are working on educating and training the community about suicide prevention. 

It is significant to know yourself and let others around you know that they are valued. It can be challenging to reach out while you are struggling, but talking to someone who wants your best interest in every aspect of life can be the first step to healing.