In our opinion: A step toward one life saved is a step worth taking

Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

We previously urged Utahns and leaders to see this not as a point of no return, but as a launching pad to find new solutions to the mental health crisis. Some are heeding the call.  

When it comes to reducing suicide and tackling the mental health crisis, an old adage rings true: It takes a village — or, in this case, a state, along with individual citizens and the institutions of civil society.

Utah’s struggle with mental health issues is no secret. Two years ago the Utah Department of Health released a report that found teen suicide had risen 14% since 2011. Last month the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute released numbers revealing suicide as the leading cause of death in Utah youths and that the state has a disturbing shortage of mental health providers.

We previously urged Utahns and leaders to see this not as a point of no return, but as a launching pad to find new solutions to the mental health crisis. Some are heeding the call.

State leaders and donors announced a “historic” multimillion-dollar campaign Monday. A task force resulting from the Department of Health report came up with an idea that would combine the resources of the public and private sectors: The Legislature promised a match of $700,000 toward the campaign, if that amount was reached in donations.

Now, with more than $2 million raised, the campaign will get to work. TV, radio, print, social media and other outlets will soon have content meant to go beyond traditional marketing.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox welcomes faith leaders and others gathered at the Capitol in Salt Lake City to start the weekend of Prayer for Suicide Prevention on Friday.

Cynics are quick to say social media posts and radio spots are hollow gestures. Is the money alone enough? Is one program enough? Is one neighbor or friend enough? Is one call, text or email enough? The answer to each of these questions is an emphatic “no!” But any action isolated from the holistic solution can be judged as insignificant.

Any step toward one life saved, however halting or small, is a step worth taking. To the cynics we say, ask the thousands of individuals, still living, if the hotline, counselor, social media post, parent who learned warning signs online or the friend who reached out through an app was enough. Like the adaptation of Loren Eiseley’s Starfish story — the old man couldn’t save every starfish on the beach but he would say, as he tossed a single starfish back into the sea, “I made a difference for that one.”

The number of industries and donors represented in the campaign is impressive and shows the far-reaching impact of the issue and the inclination of those in this community to help. More resources are needed from those with means, along with businesses, organizations and government. It should be noted that $25,000 of the funds were given from individuals donating through their tax returns.

Naturally, the campaign is not the end of the road. Raising awareness and steering afflicted individuals toward help is a vital component in the fight, but more people seeking help means more demand for qualified professionals and resources.

The Gardner study highlighted the troubling shortage of these resources and professionals in the state. That shortage must be addressed, and we hope to see community, education and state leaders find ways to attract more mental health professionals to the areas that need them most. In the meantime, educational efforts need not take a pause. The same study acknowledged reducing stigma surrounding suicide and mental health is a necessary step to take.

As National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month comes to a close, it’s worth remembering the greatest campaigns in history have been successful because of people coming together.

Utah youths gathered at the state capitol building Thursday night for a vigil intended to help fight that stigma and start conversations about mental health. Reporting from the Deseret News has found having those conversations and expanding education about mental health issues is a key component in helping those who struggle. Saying the state doesn’t care about the mental health of its residents is a careless and callous show of ignorance.

As National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month comes to a close, it’s worth remembering the greatest campaigns in history have been successful because of people coming together. The goal of a healthier, safer Utah can best be achieved when everyone comes together to lift up and reach toward the vision of a brighter tomorrow. We call on all every friend, neighbor, citizen, group or institution to do more and join this village effort to “make a difference for that one” — the one who is struggling.

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If someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, resources are available. In Utah, the SafeUT app provides a direct connection to a crisis line. Other resources include:

National Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

University Neuropsychiatric Institute Crisis line: 801-587-3000

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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