If you spend any time reading the paper or watching the news, you know that Zika has taken center stage as a public health crisis.  Don't get me wrong, it is important that we address Zika.  But, we have a more pervasive and deadlier public health crisis that rarely gets addressed - death by suicide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, after cancer and heart disease, suicide accounts for more years of life lost than any other cause of death.  For Americans aged 10-34, suicide is the second leading cause of death and for Americans aged 35-64, it's the fourth leading cause of death.  So why does this massive public health crisis in the United States receive little to no attention particularly when suicide is 100% preventable?  I believe we as Americans just don't know what to do.  September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness month, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.  The International Association for Suicide Prevention ( www.iasp.info) developed three ways we all can help to reduce this preventable public health crisis:  Connect, Communicate and Care.

Fostering connections is the first crucial step to suicide prevention.  Research tells us that social connections reduce the risk of suicide and helping someone who seems disconnected can be a lifesaving act.  So, what can you do?  When a friend stops returning your calls or a sibling isn't texting you like she used to, take the time to connect.  Drop by and bring them a cup of their favorite coffee or cold drink.  Take the time to ask "how are you feeling?" and "what's going on because I miss hearing from you."  This simple investment of time and effort can make a huge impact.

The second way you can reduce the suicidal public health crisis is through communication.  Open communication is vital if we are to combat the shroud of silence, stigma and shame associated with suicide.  I know discussing the topic of suicide can be tough.  However, many suicide survivors report that they endured their extreme suicidal thinking because of compassionate and non-judgmental conversations.   

All the connecting and communicating in the world doesn't matter if we don't care about preventing suicide.  Policy makers need to care enough to make suicide prevention a public health priority.  Communities must care enough to provide support and resources for those at risk of suicide.  Finally, each of us must care enough to reach out to those who are struggling and in need.   

Connecting, Communicating and Caring - these three simple acts can prevent suicide.  These acts are also the cornerstones of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.  Anyone in Hillsborough county can connect to emotional help and support by calling 2-1-1, or 1-800-273-TALK.  We are committed to suicide prevention and the elimination of this preventable public health crisis.   

Clara