Suicide prevention plan unveiled

Every day, Utah loses one of its own to suicide.

Today, Utah officials announced a comprehensive plan to prevent the dynamic long-considered an epidemic in the Beehive State.

"Follow the blueprint," said Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff in issuing a call to action on the subject. "It's all here."

The plan outlines 10 goals to take place during the next five years in an effort to change policies and attitudes and ultimately prevent more Utahns from taking their own lives.

The goals have specific objectives and recommendations on topics such as promoting awareness and reducing stigma of suicide, developing and promoting clinical and professional practices, broad support for suicide prevention programs and specific goals for police, schools, clergy, associations and others.

Some at the morning press conference said a few hurdles continue to stymie prevention efforts.

"It is not shameful to ask for help," said Mary Kaye Huntsman, who has emerged as a strong advocate for suicide prevention as founder of the Power in You program.

The stigma associated with suicide and mental illness must be reduced. For example, there should be no difference between spending the day with a child in chemotherapy and spending the day with a child in a psychiatric ward.

"Either way, you have a child who is very sick," she said. "We need to put our arms around those in need. Cancer can happen to anyone. So can mental illness. Both hurt. Both cause anxiety and fear."

"We need to deal with suicide proactively and not just at the point of crisis — the point when someone attempts suicide or loses their life to suicide," said Sheri Wittwer, director of National Association on Mental Illness in Utah.

"As individuals, we need to check our attitudes about mental illness and treatment," Wittwer said. "We need to reserve judgement and instead offer support to those individuals and families who may be living with mental illness."

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