With September being Suicide Prevention Month, and with today – 9/8 – recognized as 988 Day, the Louisiana Department of Health and other organizations are hosting 988 Day at the Capitol. Sherrard Crespo with VIA LINK, which is one of the organizations putting on the event, says the event will be in the Formal Gardens at the Capitol this morning.
“We are going to be doing a quick rally with some speakers at the Capitol, beginning at 9:30, and then we will have open time to meet all of your wonderful providers and just advocates and people who believe in mental wellness in Louisiana, Crespo said.
Crespo says mental health is a major issue in this country, and it’s one that may still be unjustifiably stigmatized.
“It is very much a huge health issue that needs a lot of public awareness, mostly to destigmatize the topic. Really to understand that there is nothing shameful, nothing wrong, nothing that makes you sick or ill if you have thoughts of suicide,” Crespo said.
Crespo says suicide is especially prevalent among younger Louisianans, and it’s only getting worse.
“(Suicide) is the third leading cause of death between ages 10-34. Even for our younger folks, you’re looking at an even higher cause of death. The suicide deaths rates have continued to steadily climb up as the years have gone on,” Crespo explained.
Crespo says one message they want to get out is they want lawmakers at both the state and federal level to continue funding the 988-suicide helpline.
