Walking to Save Lives
Some walked in memory of a loved one. Others walked to raise awareness and to prevent suicide.
More than 1,100 people gathered at Balboa Park Sunday for the annual Save a Life San Diego Community Walk, including a team from the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA).
“We’re here today to open some minds to hope and understanding,” HHSA Director Nick Macchione said in welcoming remarks to walk participants. “You came here today to not only raise money, but to also raise awareness and to remember our loved ones.”
In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 14 minutes, claiming more than 30,000 lives each year. Here in San Diego County, one person dies by suicide every day. Last year, 392 people ended their lives by suicide.
Suicide is especially prevalent in active-duty personnel and veterans, a major focus of Sunday’s walk. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that an average of 18 veterans die by suicide every day.
“Suicide is preventable. There is hope. There is help,” said Alfredo Aguirre, director of County Behavioral Health Services. “Most people who attempt or complete suicide showed one or more warning signs, so it’s important to know what to look for and how to help.”
Warning signs of suicide include:
- Talking of hurting or killing oneself
- Hopelessness or helplessness
- Divorce, separation, stress on family
- Loss of health (real or imaginary)
- Loss of job, home, personal security
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Isolation from family and friends
- Daring or risk-taking behavior
For more information, visit It’s Up to Us. Help is also available at the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240.