Suicide Prevention is Discussed on Southern Tier Close Up

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month.

Speaking on the September 20 edition of the local weekly public affairs program, Southern Tier Close Up, Melinda Kametz of the Broome County Health Department Mental Health Division talks about recognizing indications that a young person or adult may be contemplating suicide.

Kametz also discusses some challenges like parents being too busy to be tuned into their children, denying there may be a problem or people being afraid of saying the wrong thing or getting involved.

There is also a new app. about to be launched that will allow users to touch various behaviors that would then produce a scale of risk.  The app. also includes the number for the national 24 hour lifeline that can be dialed immediately. That number is 1-800-273-TALK.

People who would like to become involved in local suicide prevention measures can contact Kametz at 778-1146.

Southern Tier Close Up can be heard Saturdays at 12:10 p.m. on News Radio 1290 WNBF.