Speaker 1: Many suicides are preventable through early intervention and the empowerment of bystanders to recognize these warning signs. It is crucial for individuals and communities to be familiar with the risk factors such as expressions of hopelessness, severe emotional pain, talking about wanting to die. By understanding these signs, bystanders can intervene and support that person to seek professional help. If it's immediate, they could also call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. That lifeline provides a vital resource to them in the immediate before calling 911 even because that way that 911 will respond for different emergencies. Sometimes a person just needs to be able to talk to somebody and figure out the different resources available to them. So community involvement is also a substantial role in preventing suicide, especially within tight-knit groups such as faith communities. Faith leaders and members can assist by providing support and understanding to the individuals facing life challenges, helping them with resiliency support, understanding the sense of and purpose for meaning of life. Besides spiritual support, these communities can also encourage the engagement with behavioral health services, professional help, as well as promoting mental health and emotional health, emotional well-being as part of the holistic care. And that's also reducing that stigma behind asking for help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides a vital resource. This number can be used by anyone in crisis, allowing people to reach out for help or guidance in supporting somebody they believe is at risk, training also more people to recognize the warning signs, as well as use the resources for the 988 hotline. Providers at Elite DNA understand the importance of fostering year-round culture of care focused on suicide prevention. Elite DNA focuses on innovative and inclusive services to the community, as well as enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to feel supported and empowered when they seek help with their mental health providers. These services are designed to be accessible and welcoming, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access the care that they need. Continuously, Elite DNA has staff training. We also strengthen the collaboration between providers, because we know that's a key strategy for the enhancement and effectiveness of suicide prevention. Building a support system is vital among the vulnerable populations, such as at-risk youths, the LGBTQ populations, as well as our first responders. With the stigma behind seeking help, the support system empowers these people to be able to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. These skills also provide this resilience as a protective factor against suicide. It includes maintaining optimism, a positive concept of self, the capacity to stay hopeful, as well as that resiliency when facing these different challenging circumstances. Practical measures also enhance both life skills, as well as connectedness to the community. Connectedness acts as a buffer to different risk factors by reducing isolation, enhancing the sense of belonging, as well as fostering supportive relationships. Structured social programs and activities also promote community engagement, significantly contributing to the connectedness in their environments. Strengthening their community ties also fosters a framework for reducing suicide risk to these vulnerable populations, where they're able to then navigate life, as well as knowing

Speaker 2: where to reach out to when they do need help.

Speaker 1: Stigma is rooted in misconception a lot of the times, and lacks factual understanding about mental illness. So when somebody internalizes these different judgments, it creates that extra layer of challenges. One effective way could be to combat the stigma by seeking treatment. Many people hesitate to seek treatment due to their fear of being labeled or judged. However, services, mental health services, are highly confidential and tailored to that individual person. The also treatment is a critical step not only in just managing illness, but it's also breaking down the prejudices by setting a precedent that mental health is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign that it is treatable just like any other physical ailments. Part of stigma also leads to self-doubt and shame, so it is important to challenge that by speaking to these community resources, our faith-based communities, to be able to strengthen our partnership to identify particular individuals that would benefit for the natural

Speaker 2: support systems that the community can offer.

Speaker 1: Therapy is available in various forms, individual, family, couple therapy, group sessions. It's a versatile tool in addressing mental health challenges across all ages. It provides a structured environment where individuals can explore their emotions and experiences in a secure, nonjudgmental setting. Also, assist clients in understanding and managing their mental health concerns, tailoring their approach to each person's individual needs. Psychotherapy can be effective on its own. It's often used alongside a medication management provider, psychiatrists, particularly, who are medical doctors specialized in mental health services, play a critical role in diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications. They collaborate with other health care providers to establish comprehensive treatment plans. So enhancing treatment by collaboration will then aid in the team identifying the specific needs of that patient, as well as offering additional support for his or her success.