As you may or may not know, I lost my dad to suicide on December 10, 2005. Since then, I've become highly active on this issue. Although more people died by suicide than by Asthma, HIV/Aids, and Parkinson's Disease, funding for research was the lowest for suicide:
Deaths by Cause (2007)
- Suicide: 34,598
- Parkinson's: 20,058
- HIV/Aids: 11,295
- Asthma: 3,447
Research spending (2010)
- Suicide: 2%
- Parkinson's: 4%
- Asthma: 8%
- HIV/Aids: 86%
While these are all important issues, there is a huge imbalance in addressing the need for suicide prevention. Unfortunately, due to stigma and the discomfort of this topic in general, it becomes easy to ignore. In an effort to help, on September 25, I will be participating in an upcoming suicide prevention walk. These walks are a great way to raise needed research dollars. If you are able, please consider making a donation of any amount:
If you are not able to donate, please consider simply keeping this and other efforts on suicide prevention in your thoughts and prayers! Thank you!!!
Britta Neinast, MSW, LSW, Certified Trainer
brittaneinast.blogspot.com