Speakers address the audience at the 2022 Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition summit. Valley News/Courtesy photo
MORENO VALLEY – In September, as part of National Suicide Prevention Month, Riverside University Health System reminded Riverside County residents of the extensive Behavioral Health services and resources available free for all ages.
Riverside County reported 1,393 suicide deaths and 14,576 non-fatal self-harm injuries from suicide attempts over the last five years. Youth aged 25 and under constituted 195 of the deaths and half of the non-fatal self-harm injuries. In the United States, suicide rates were up 5% in 2021 and another 2.6% in 2022, totaling about 49,449 deaths.
“These statistics emphasize the need for reinforced prevention efforts across all ages,” Dr. Matthew Chang, director of RUHS Behavioral Health, said. “Through united community efforts, education, and robust cri
