In connection with National Suicide Prevention Week this month, DHMH announced two new, free resources to combat suicide.

The first is an online, suicide-prevention training called Kognito, available to K-12 educators, college students and staff, veterans, LGBTQ individuals and primary care physicians. Through the use of avatars, trainees practice having a conversation with an individual experiencing psychological distress – with the goal of getting the person referred to services.

The other resource is an app called “There Is Hope,” available now on the iTunes App Store, as well as the Google Play store for Android devices. The app provides fast and easy access to crisis intervention and suicide prevention support through a suicide risk self-assessment.  It is designed to link people experiencing suicidal thoughts to services, or to help guide someone who is concerned about suicidal thoughts expressed by others.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in Maryland. While Maryland’s rate remains below the national rate of 12.3 per 100,000 in 2014, suicides in Maryland have continued to increase from 561 in 2013 to 593 in 2014, or an increase of 9.6 percent. Marylanders grappling with suicidal thoughts can contact the 24/7 Maryland Crisis Hotline at 1-800-422-0009.