As part of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, St. Joseph Health, St. Mary officials announced an upcoming screening of “The S Word,” a new feature-length documentary that addresses the topic of suicide.
Health officials also are taking part in Monday’s observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, with health experts at the hospital in Apple Valley asking the public to participate in the “Take 5 to Save Lives!” public awareness campaign run by the National Council for Suicide Prevention.
The five elements of the “Take 5 to Save Lives!” campaign are: learning the signs of suicide, doing your part to prevent suicide, practicing self-care, reaching out to those that are hurting and spreading the word of suicide awareness.
Sponsored by the Providence St. Joseph Health Mental Health & Well-Being Initiative, the screening of “The S Word” is scheduled for Sept. 27 at Victor Valley College. The film puts a human face on the often feared and misunderstood topic of suicide, delving into the hearts and minds of suicide attempt survivors, along with their families and loved ones, organizers said.