According to the Centers for Disease Control:

Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. While its causes are complex and determined by multiple factors, the goal of suicide prevention is simple: Reduce factors that increase risk (i.e. risk factors) and increase factors that promote resilience (i.e. protective factors). Ideally, prevention addresses all levels of  influence: individual, relationship, community, and societal. Effective prevention strategies are needed to promote awareness of suicide and encourage a commitment to social change.

 

A local Yakima couple, Dave and Benine McDonald, lost a son to suicide. On Tuesday's Mike Bastinelli show,  Benine discussed their loss, how they dealt with it, and how their family continues to cope with the loss by working to help other families who have had to deal with suicide..

Jim Pennell from Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health was also a guest. He discussed his agency's efforts in suicide prevention and treatment of survivors.

Click this player to listen to the interview.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Visit the CDC suicide prevention page here.

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