Dear Friends,
To live in greater Houston is to be exposed to near-constant stressors: floods, traffic, and unrelenting heat. It’s no surprise that we ranked number one in a healthcare report on the nation’s most stressful cities. Another unfortunate truth is that in Texas, due to the state’s lax gun laws, our community is flooded with guns, and we are seeing rising suicide rates involving firearms.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on these immense challenges and work together on solutions. Here in Harris County, we are working with organizations, mental health advocates, health care professionals, and communities to come together to educate the public about suicide risk factors, warning signs, strategies, available resources, and information to the community about suicide prevention.
Here is some critical information that we can all use to do our part to prevent suicides year-round: the Harris Center has developed a suicide digital toolkit to help provide information and resources for suicide prevention strategies.
If a person is in crisis, the Harris Center’s 24/7 crisis access line is available to listen and provide assistance. Call 713-970-7000 for immediate assistance. Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams are available as well.
For an immediate emergency, never hesitate to call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, where help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in English and Spanish.
A community is only as healthy as its most vulnerable residents. While Precinct One works every day to eliminate health disparities and improve access to services, we need everyone to serve as the listeners, encouragers, and connectors in their neighborhoods. Let's break the stigma and save lives together.
Sincerely,
Rodney Ellis