To the Editor:

Did you know that over 38,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States? That's one person every 13 minutes. These are more than just numbers; they represent our family, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

For the second year in a row, the NYS legislature has declared September as Suicide Prevention Month in New York State.  What better time for our communities to learn more about suicide and how to prevent it?

Learning some of the key suicide warning signs such as feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and family, and making suicidal statements can help save lives. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or just needs to talk, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Help is available 24 hours a day, every day.

Another way the community can help is by participating in the upcoming Capital Region Out of the Darkness Walk for R.I.T.A. on Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Saratoga Race Course.  Whether or not you have been personally touched by suicide, I encourage you to participate.

The money raised at this event will support the mission of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org) by funding national and local suicide prevention programs and research. 

To register for the walk, please visit www.afsp.org/capitalregionny or call 518.791.1544.

Together, we can save lives.

Nancy P. Marcone

Schenectady