We’re connecting you to information and resources that can help prevent suicide

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month,** a time to raise awareness of this public health crisis and to help eliminate the stigma associated with it.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48,283 people died by suicide in 2021 (most recent verifiable data). That equates to one death every 11 minutes.

Other compelling statistics from that same year:

• 12.3 million adults seriously thought about suicide.
• 3.5 million adults made a plan.
• 1.7 million adults attempted suicide.
• The suicide rate among males is approximately four times higher than the rate among females.

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect almost anyone regardless of age, gender or background, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI.** In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition.

That’s why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has taken a multipronged approach to addressing mental health and substance use disorder conditions. This includes a wide array of behavioral health communications and resources for members, customers and providers. Here are three recently updated resources:

• Our Behavioral Health Employer Toolkit, which includes flyers and posters on suicide prevention that you can use.

• Our Help in times of crisis flyer, which includes information on the latest facilities to join our crisis services program. (See this article, also in this issue, for more details.)

• Our behavioral health website, suitable for sharing with your patients.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.