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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 Page 5 Suicide prevention campaigns are vital in every community By Marcel Gemme S eptember is National Suicide Prevention Month. During this month, prevention organizations, survivors, mental health advocates, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention and awareness. One important aspect of suicide prevention is recognizing the connection between substance use and suicide. Drug addiction prevention campaigns are always working hand-in-hand with suicide prevention campaigns in local communities. Drug and alcohol addiction, such as alcohol and opioid use disorders, for example, signifi cantly increases the risk of suicidal ideation, attempts and death. These are generally the two most implicated substances in suicide risk. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior is elevated with acute alcohol intoxication and chronic alcohol use or dependence. The same applies to opioid use, as it can increase the risk of suicide and unintentional overdose caused by opioids alone or polysubstance use. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevenknowing simple things, such as dialing 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a 24-7 free and confi dential support for people in distress. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health off ers many resources locally, such as resources for students, training and mental health education. We must all work to change Marcel Gemme is the founder of SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education. (Courtesy photo) tion, suicide is the 16th leading cause of death in Massachusetts and the second leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 34 living in the state. It’s estimated that 59% of communities in Massachusetts did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents in 2023. In 2021, four times as many people died by suicide than in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents. Fortunately, prevention campaigns work and increase awareness surrounding substance use and suicide. Anyone can take action today by the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention. There are actions that anyone can take to help and give hope to those who are struggling. Consider some of the following pointer. Ask, do not beat around the bush, but ask that person how they are doing and if they are thinking about suicide. Acknowledging and talking about suicide reduces suicidal ideation. Be there for that person, and they will feel less depressed, less suicidal and less overwhelmed. Keep them safe and help them stay connected. When lethal means are made less available or less deadly, the frequency and risks of suicide decline. Moreover, the hopelessness subsides when you help that person create a support network of resources and individuals. Most importantly, maintain contact, follow up and see them in person as frequently as possible. This is a critical part of suicide prevention, along with always learning more about prevention and awareness. However, this process is not bulletproof, and we must recognize there are countless instances of individuals taking their lives and giving no indication or red fl ag they were suicidal. But if we can keep changing the conversation, breaking down the walls of stigma and making the resources accessible, more people may ask for help before it is too late. —Marcel Gemme is the founder of SUPE and has been helping people struggling with substance use for over 20 years. His work focuses on a threefold approach: education, prevention and rehabilitation. For more information on SUPE, please visit https://www.addicted.org/supe/about-us/ DENTAL 373 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617) 898 3384 ranashahidental@gmail.com Dental Restorations Crowns Sealants Fluoride Treatments Bonding GRAND OPENING Garima Rana, D.M.D Yen Vo, D.M.D SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welo welcome the loyal customers of tino Insur nce is p yal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM co Extractions Invisalign Cleanings Root Canals Emergency Care

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