Sixty-two Orange County citizens lost their lives from 2011 to 2015 to suicide.

Throughout the month of September, the Orange County Health Department and Healthy Carolinians of Orange County will be hosting events to support survivors and to share how to recognize the sings and symptoms of suicide.

The national suicide prevention campaign is called BeThe1To and, according to the Orange County Health Department public information officer Kristin Prelipp, it focuses on encouraging people to take initiative when dealing with suicide prevention.

“One of the main things we want to talk about is if you know someone who you suspect is considering suicide, to be the one to step up,” said Prelipp. “Often times it takes just one person to make a difference so somebody doesn’t make that choice.”

The events of the month began with the BeThe1to kickoff event at the Whitted Human Services Building in Hillsborough, which allowed participants to hear from people who have a personal connection to suicide. Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens also spoke.

Other events include a National Suicide Prevention Day of Prayer and the “Be the Light” suicide prevention awareness walk.

The month culminates with QPR: Suicide Prevention at Cardinal Innovations in Chapel Hill. QPR stands for question, persuade and refer.

“These are three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide,” said Prelipp. “If you want to know more about this and be trained you can attend this. It’ll take place from 10am until noon on September 26th.”

For more information on Suicide Prevention Month visit BeThe1To.com.

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