Economy Cited in Suicide-Prevention Calls

Calls to suicide-prevention hotlines have risen sharply in recent months, and 20 to 30 percent of the calls have been prompted by financial stress, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The Associated Press reported Aug. 5 that suicide crisis centers fielded more than 57,000 calls in July, but funding for such centers is under threat due to budget cuts, even as the need rises.

“We know that every single day, there are people calling who are in the midst of a suicide attempt,” said SAMHSA suicide-prevention expert Richard McKeon. “Any delay in getting that call answered could be tragic.”

SAMHSA funds the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), which refers callers to 140 local suicide crisis centers nationally, and is providing an extra $1 million in supplemental funding to such programs this year.