Javier Alegra from Latino Behavioral Health Services outlined the Live On initiative on March 16, 2021, emphasizing its goal of promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention resources, particularly within Utah's Latino community. The initiative seeks to educate, provide resources, and shift the cultural conversation around suicide and mental health.
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Utah has consistently reported a suicide rate higher than the national average for over a decade. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, around 687 Utahns die by suicide annually, while 5,228 make suicide attempts each year. This translates to an average of two suicides and 14 suicide attempts each day, marking suicide as a significant public health issue in the state.
While multiple initiatives exist to raise awareness, the effectiveness hinges on public knowledge of these resources. Live On Utah is a public awareness campaign dedicated to reducing mental health stigma and equipping individuals with suicide prevention strategies. They offer a Suicide Prevention Playbook, which includes tools essential for assisting someone battling suicidal thoughts. Each of the playbook's 11 sections can be completed in approximately 10 minutes and is available at https://liveonutah.org/.
Participating in this program could provide the vital knowledge needed to help save a life.