IBEW Local 1 shines a light on suicide prevention

IBEW Local 1 stepped up to address a major community concern by lighting the outside of its headquarters at 5850 Elizabeth in the teal and purple colors of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, reports Frank Jacobs, Local 1’s business manager.

The month-long effort on the part of mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members aims to promote suicide awareness and prevention.

Suicide rates in the U.S. have been climbing. It is now the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., and the highest ranking cause of death in the construction industry

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE AT RISK?
Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel a sense of relief when someone asks about them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may help reduce suicidal thoughts and actions.

“We felt it important to bring awareness to this critical effort,” Jacobs said, noting that 48,344 Americans died by suicide in 2018 and an estimated 1.4 million people attempted it.

“Statistics show that 10.3 percent of Americans have thought about it and 54 percent of Americans have been affected by it,” Jacobs said.

IMPACT ON CONSTRUCTION
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), construction has the highest suicide rate (53.2/100,000) across all industries.

The suicide rate in construction is about four times greater than the national average (17.3/100,000) and five times greater than that of all other construction fatalities combined (10.1/100,000).

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Do you know someone in emotional distress who may be having thoughts of suicide?

You can help by showing concern, listening and encouraging them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention and actions that can provide help, promote healing and give hope. Confidential support through the Lifeline is available for free to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week.