If you or someone you know are feeling suicidal, please call 1-800-273-TALK(8255) now.
It is a 24-hour crisis-line devoted specifically to suicide and it connects you to someone in your local area.
We do not provide crisis counseling.


Weekly Spark - 2/4/2010

A research summary: Points out the correlation between the reduction of psychiatric hospital beds and a projected increase in the number of suicides. I wonder if we can find a similar increase in the number of suicides in correctional settings? Michigan since the late seventies has closed almost all of the psychiatric hospitals, leaving the few left to be overcrowded and understaffed. Communities were supposed to offer half way housing and other services for the mentally Ill, but these were slow materialize.


Another article shows Emergency physicians in a study researching suicide prevention and detection. One of our own here in Michigan, Michael Swank has been working closely with the E.R. in the Bay-Arenac area. This should show promise, especially in getting data and providing services with attempters. These studies could really provide a break-through in reducing the numbers and treating early.

There are more information on this administrations rules and regulations in parity. Also some interesting international news, Japan’s Buddhist community is starting a hot line, and efforts are being discussed to provide mental health services in Haiti, last but not least a new report on services for suicide prevention in senior living communities.

We are getting ready for our Silver Anniversary and have a scheduled meeting next Saturday in Livonia, hope to see you there!

Stay warm, stay safe and stay connected

Larry Lewis