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Every 11 minutes, a life is lost to suicide in the United States, and the rate continues to climb. Even more concerning is the fact that this statistic continues to worsen. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate in our country has reached its highest peak since 1941 with 3,446 suicide deaths in Florida in 2022.
In response to this growing crisis, the Mental Health Association of Central Florida (MHACF) launched the “You Are A Lifeguard” suicide prevention campaign three years ago. This initiative specifically targets teens, young adults, and their families, aiming to raise awareness and prevent suicide. The campaign website, youarealifeguard.org,offers informative resources, warning signs to watch for, and a place to take the pledge to help prevent suicide.
Last week, Heart of Florida United Way made a pledge to allocate funding towards the campaign. This pledge aligns with HFUW’s mission and work the organization does through the operation of a Crisis Services call center, which handles calls to 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The local line receives thousands of calls from Central Floridians each year who are in distress and are at risk of harming themselves.
“We provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Last year, more than 13,500 people reached out for help through 988. However, we did not want to stop there. We believe it is important to connect with people before they reach a state of crisis, educate family members and friends on how to better recognize warning signs, and help everyone understand the resources that are available. That’s why we invested in You Are A Lifeguard. It’s a proactive approach that focuses on protecting the lives of our youth in Central Florida”, stated Jeff Hayward, President & CEO of HFUW.
Through this partnership, we will produce new Public Service Videos; undertake paid suicide prevention social media campaigns on TikTok and Instagram to better reach local teens, young adults and their families; update and expand the You Are A Lifeguard website, have a presence at major events such as Orlando Pride, Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, and Osceola Magic games to increase the number of “pledges” completed and expand awareness, and create suicide prevention certification programs for local students, teachers, and parents.
The You Are A Lifeguard campaign officially kicked off its expanded partnership with HFUW on September 1, 2024, coinciding with the start of National Suicide Prevention Month.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Join the fight against suicide by donating to support the You Are A Lifeguard campaign. Your contribution can help save lives.
