Chapel Hill, NC – State leaders convened at the UNC Friday Center in Chapel Hill for a pivotal summit addressing mental health and suicide prevention strategies across North Carolina.

Today, leaders from various sectors gathered to discuss the state’s robust suicide prevention plan and emphasize the importance of bolstering mental health resources. This summit aimed to foster collaboration and resource sharing among communities grappling with these critical issues.

Focus on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources

The summit focused on amplifying efforts to combat suicide, which remains a significant public health concern in North Carolina. According to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 18 and the third leading cause among those aged 19 to 34 in the state.

Key topics included updates on North Carolina’s suicide prevention plan, insights into national suicide prevention resources, and strides made in addressing these challenges at both local and state levels.

Statistics and Initiatives

Statistics from 2021 highlight the urgency of these efforts:

• Suicide as the second leading cause of death for ages 10-18 in NC.
• Suicide as the third leading cause of death for ages 19-34 in NC.

Initiatives discussed included:

• Enhancing community-based mental health support systems.
• Expanding access to crisis intervention resources.
• Promoting mental health awareness and education programs.

Conclusion: Commitment to Action

The Statewide Summit on Suicide Prevention underscores North Carolina’s commitment to tackling mental health challenges and preventing suicides through collaborative efforts and strategic planning. For more updates on initiatives and resources, download The Local News App to your phone.

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