Suicide Prevention

What We Know About Suicide

Hope, Help, Resiliency and Survival. Highlighting stories of recovery and healing is a priority for Clackamas County when it comes to Suicide Prevention. For every person that we lose to suicide, 278 seriously consider suicide but do not die – they survive. These untold stories demonstrate recovering from thoughts of suicide is possible—and happening every day.

More and More People Believe That Suicides Can Be Prevented

• 94% of adults think suicide can be prevented.
• More than 9 in 10 adults say they would do something if someone close to them was contemplating suicide.
• Nearly 4 in 5 adults are interested in learning more about how they might be able to play a role in helping someone who may be suicidal.
• When it comes to their own health, 4 in 5 US adults say mental health and physical health are equally important. In our current health care system, however, 55% of adults say physical health is prioritized over mental health.

How You Can Be There for Someone Who Might Be Struggling or in Crisis

• Learn the warning signs.
• Take action steps and help to connect a person to professional care.
• Join us by learning the facts, by taking a training, or by starting a conversation with someone who might be struggling. Go to the GetTrainedToHelp website to learn about and register for free suicide prevention and mental health first aid trainings across the tri-counties.
• Share resources:
  • Clackamas County Crisis Line
    503-655-8585
    Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    800-273-TALK
    Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support. Military veterans may press ‘1’ for specialized care.
  • Oregon Youthline
    877-968-8491
    Text: teen2teen to 839863
    Chat: online
    Email: youthl@linesforlife.org
  • Senior Loneliness Line
    503-200-1633
    Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to older adults.
  • The Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Lifeline for LGBTQ youth
    1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
  • Trans Lifeline's Peer Support Hotline
    877-565-8860
    Peer support service run by trans people.
  • Veterans Crisis Line
    1-800-273-8255 press #1

You've Got What It Takes!

You don't need to be an expert to be a part of this work - just a good listener. If you notice someone who might be struggling - start a conversation. And if all is well, that person will know you're someone who cares enough to ask. Asking, "Are you okay?" can change lives.

Email Galli Murray, Clackamas County Suicide Prevention Coordinator, at gallimur@clackamas.us to receive updates about trainings, suicide prevention resources and opportunities for community involvement.