Letter: Help prevent suicides in our community

I was discouraged recently to see a picture on the front page of a Kennewick police officer assisting a suicidal man on the cable bridge. It was a disturbing image that is hard to erase.

Unfortunately, there has been a rise in the number of deaths by suicide in our community. Research shows that front page coverage of suicide and the details that surround it can contribute to a contagion. It is important that mental health professionals, community officials, and the media work together to ensure that press coverage of suicides and attempts does not contribute to the risk of vulnerable people or exploit the mentally ill.

We need to know the warning signs. We need to listen. We need to take threats of suicide seriously. We need to talk about it, as individuals, families and as a community. There is hope and help available. Please join me in an effort to prevent future suicides in our community.

For help and for more information call 800-273-8255 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

This story was originally published March 1, 2016 at 5:03 PM with the headline "Letter: Help prevent suicides in our community."