Outline of a Statewide Suicide Prevention Plan

by Marni Pyke

With an estimated 85 Americans committing suicide every day, there's no time to waste, supporters of a statewide prevention plan believe.

Members of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Planning Committee have prepared a comprehensive strategy aimed at educating people about the issue and saving lives.

The proposal, expected to go before the Illinois legislature in the 2004 winter session, contains recommendations for change. They would:

• Provide more access to health care for those who are at risk and improve Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements.
• Examine the relationship between domestic violence and suicide and offer more help to abuse victims.
• Offer training to people, such as medical workers, teachers and clergy, who deal with potential suicide victims.
• Make it more difficult for people at risk of suicide to obtain the means to carry it out.

One of the supporters of the suicide prevention plan in Springfield is state Rep. Patricia Lindner, a Sugar Grove Republican.

"I think it's a good idea that's needed," Lindner said. "According to statistics, suicide kills more people than homicide."

Illinois Department of Public Health data shows in 2001 a total of 1,131 people died from suicide compared to 1,064 from homicide statewide.

For information about suicide, or if you need help, call the Suicide Prevention Services depression hotline at 630-482-9696 or 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).