Many of us know someone or our lives have been forever changed by suicide. On May 28, 2019, my life and my families were forever changed at the loss of my daughter, Taylor. She was 25 years old, mother of 2 little boys (AJ & Carter), nurse and my other half. Her world became so dark that she could not find her way back to the light.
She continually complained that the cost of seeking treatment was so expensive, even with insurance and so was her prescribed medication. There was also the problem of finding a professional who was not booking a month or more out or taking new patients. She did go to the emergency room a week before she died because she was suicidal and was provided a piece of paper with name and numbers to contact. There was no plan of action put in place. THIS HAS TO CHANGE!
After I watched her struggle with the above issues for many years and end in losing her, I have, along with my family and friends, made a promise to make sure that no one else has to struggle with getting help. Mental health issues are REAL and suicide has been an epidemic long before COVID 19 presented itself. Unlike COVID, suicide does have a major impact on our children and young adults. Here are the facts:
• 1 in 100,000 children ages 10 to 14 die by suicide each year. (NIMH)
• 7 in 100,000 youth ages 15 to 19 die by suicide each year. (NIMH)
• 12.7 in 100,000 young adults ages 20-24 die by suicide each year. (NIMH)
• The prevalence of suicidal thoughts, suicidal planning and suicide attempts is significantly higher among adults aged 18-29 than among adults aged 30+. (CDC)
• Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death for adults ages 18-65. (CDC)
The primary purpose of Igniting a Spark to Prevent Suicide, Inc. is to raise awareness of suicide and financially support organizations and/or individuals who provide programming to assist individuals who may suffer from suicide ideation.
We are also including an INFORMATIONAL EXPO of local vendors to provide information on their products and services.
Come out and help us make a difference in the lives of those individuals suffering from mental illness and specifically suicidal ideation!
