Letter: Suicide grant could have been spent more wisely

Thursday, Sept. 16, 1999 | 10:14 a.m.

The editorial spoke of the new $1.5 million program at University Medical Center to develop trends and solutions to prevent suicide. But the editorial completely ignored the fact that these trends have already been documented and that successful techniques have been employed to prevent suicide. The Suicide Prevention Center of Clark County has been diligently serving this community with these techniques since 1969.

We have a high suicide rate because of the lack of social ties here in Las Vegas. Since most people moved here from other parts of the country, they usually do not have people to turn to in a crisis, or the suicidal person chooses not to bother someone with their problem. The No. 1 reason someone contemplates or commits suicide is related to love relationships.

To prevent a potential suicide, talk about it. Be as open and honest as possible in the conversation. Always realize that suicide is a symptom of another problem. Once the underlying problem is identified, develop as many ways as possible to rectify and implement solutions to the problem and you will solve the suicidal thoughts. Each one of our volunteer counselors has been highly trained in these prevention techniques.

Instead of studying what is already known, the $1.5 million grant could have been more wisely spent on helping suicidal people get the help they need to solve their problems. If you or someone else you know is contemplating suicide, please call us or someone else for help.

BRYAN HENCHIK Administrative assistant, Suicide Prevention Center of Clark County