PHILIPPI — September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness month and Broaddus Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is working to raise awareness. 

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an average of 129 deaths by suicide occur per day and there are an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts per year. Talk of suicide should never be dismissed. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

“We are pleased to participate in this nationwide suicide prevention initiative,” said Senior Life Solutions Program Director Donetta McVicker, BSN, RN. “It is so important to support our community who have lost loved ones to suicide as well as, raise awareness to help decrease the rate of suicide.”

The group hosted a Luminary Drive-Thru Service to advocate for suicide awareness on September 17, 2021 from 7PM-10PM at Broaddus Hospital. The Luminary service was free to the public and persons were able to remain in their vehicle during the Life Lights event. Each luminaria was dedicated to a loved one lost to suicide.

Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression often related to aging.  Program staff is trained in the use of standardized, evidence-based tools to treat anxiety and depression. In addition, the staff assists the patient to create a plan to increase life satisfaction and overall mental wellness.

Following an individual assessment, patients meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting. The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a registered nurse, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in our community.

 Patients may benefit from the Senior Life Solutions program if they recently experienced a traumatic event, are grieving the loss of a loved one, have experienced changes in sleep, appetite, or mood, or have lost interest in previously enjoyed activities. 

Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, self-referral, or another healthcare professional. For more information, call the Broaddus Hospital Senior Life Solutions program at 304-457-8132.

Founded in 2003, Senior Life Solutions is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care, a leading behavioral healthcare management company.  Focused on addressing the needs of rural and underserved communities, PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 20 states. The company’s services provide evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral health problems. 

For more information, visit www.seniorlifesolutions.com.