Help is available for people in crisis

To the editor:

We are pleased to hear public service announcements launched on 102.9 KZIA and 1600 KGYM around the topics of mental illness and suicide.

To our knowledge this is the first time a major radio outlet in our area has initiated conversation on the issue of suicide prevention in a direct manner like this. We commend them for their leadership in raising awareness about this important community health issue.

The topic of suicide is complex and is difficult to address in a short public service announcement. In the announcement KZIA advises people to call 211. While 211 is a tremendous resource for finding information about where to get help in our community, we believe it is important that anyone who is actively in a state of crisis get the kind of specialized help they need as quickly as possible.

We encourage those in need of immediate help to call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This number is found with a simple Internet search and is answered 24/7 by highly trained crisis counselors who are well positioned to respond to the unique range of stressors that contribute to suicidality. We also encourage readers to program this number into their cellphone so it is readily available so if you or someone you know is ever suicidal or in some other crisis the number will be there for you.

Dr. Rob Metzger

Co-Chair, Linn County Suicide Prevention Coalition

Cedar Rapids