On the Record: Shedding light on suicide in Iowa, and a HOPEwalk meant to raise awareness

This week's On the Record

highlights National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 10-16. This is a departure from the regular program that focuses on crime and courts, but this is an important public health issue that affects so many families in the state.

Annually, there are 433 people who die by suicide in Iowa. On average, one person dies by suicide every 20 hours in the state, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The guest today is Cara Crowell-Berger, a suicide prevention case manager with the Iowa City VA Health Care System, who will share some facts and statistics about suicide and prevention resources in this area.

Crowell-Berger also talks about an event, the HOPEwalk, this Saturday, which is the Ellis Park/Robbins Lake Lakeview Pavilion. Check in starts at 8:30 a.m. and the opening presentation is 9:30 a.m. The local community walk is to support awareness and education on suicide prevention and those affected by this national health crisis.

Resources for someone needing help or seeking help for a friend or family member:

Foundation 2 crisis lines: 1-800-332-4224 or (319)-362-2174 in Cedar Rapids. Here is a website with more resources and information.

Also:

Iowa City VA Health System, Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255, press 1 or text 838255.