In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, Oregonians are being encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogues about mental health and suicide prevention. Jamie Vandergon, the CEO of Trillium Family Services, highlights the importance of asking deeper, more genuine questions about a person's feelings, rather than settling for the usual "How are you? " This approach can help identify those in distress and foster a supportive environment. According to the CDC, a person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States, underscoring the urgency of this topic. Oregon faces significant challenges, ranking 12th in the nation for youth suicide rates, which have seen an uptick for the first time since 2018.

Dr. Mike Franz points out that suicide is the second leading cause of death among children aged 5 to 24 in the state. The increase in behavioral health issues is believed to be correlated with rising social media and smartphone usage. By actively participating in conversations about mental health, community members can help combat stigma and misinformation, ultimately saving lives.