Thoughtful coverage appreciated

I wanted to thank you for your thoughtful editorial coverage on “Mental health troubles and news,” and the article “Man rescued from bridge standoff” in the September 11 edition of The Star. 

You are absolutely correct:  “... Hope has to be part of the coverage” you provide, and is a reminder that each of us can offer hope to those who are struggling.

Each of the community members who noticed the at-risk individual on the bridge and contacted the appropriate authorities, as well as the worker from Nespelem Valley Electric Co-Op, who was willing to reach out and talk with the individual, whom he knew, and convince him to come down to safety, is to be commended. They exemplify how each of us can help prevent suicide.

We encourage all community members to learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide by visiting the National Institute of Mental Health web page at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide; and learn how they can help someone who is struggling at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide.

Please let your readers know if they, or anyone they know, is at risk of harming themselves, they can call or text 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time of day or night, year-round.

Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare’s toll-free Crisis Line is also available 24/7/365 at 1-800-852-2923.

With appreciation,

 Carolbelle Branch

Director of

Communications

Okanogan

Behavioral

HealthCare, Inc.

http://www.okbhc.org