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Wednesday, April 16, 2025

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PA authorities give update on investigation into governor's mansion attack; AR officials respond to federal idea for helping the unhoused; New findings suggest reviving coal would be too costly for U.S.; and WI sees boost in voter turnout among Natives.

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Undocumented immigrants must now register with the federal government. Mass deportations cost states like Connecticut millions in tax revenue and a new executive memo reinforces current laws on Social Security benefits for what it terms "illegal aliens."

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Trump's tariffs sow doubt and stress for America's farmers, rural Democrats want working class voters back in the fold, and a cancelled local food program for kids worries folks in Maine.

National Suicide Prevention Month: CA Group Works to Raise Awareness

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Tuesday, September 12, 2023   

This is National Suicide Prevention Week, part of National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of the problem, and ways to prevent it. The California Parent and Youth Helpline reports a dramatic increase in calls about suicide - making up about 60% of the calls, texts and live chats received since May of last year.

Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin, president and CEO of Parents Anonymous Inc., runs the helpline.

"In 2022, we had the highest rate of suicide ever, 49,449 deaths," she said. "So, that doesn't include the fact that 12 million adults in 2021 thought about suicide. And 3.5 million people made a plan, and 1.7 million attempted it."

She added that suicide deaths increased in 2021 and 2022, whereas they had been going down in prior years. Statistics show that 20% of children and adults in America suffer from some kind of serious mental health condition. Trained counselors are online at 'CAParentYouthHelpline.org'.

Pion-Berlin added it is crucial to take people seriously if they mention suicidal thoughts.

"It is very important if anybody mentions any thoughts they have - or a plan, or any concerns they have about suicide - that you take them seriously," she implored. "Don't brush them off."

Data show that youth of color living in rural areas are the fastest-growing category of people attempting suicide, and completing those attempts.

Disclosure: AARP California contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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In 2022, 73% of individuals were offered online access to their medical records, and 57% accessed them at least once that year, marking a 50% increase from 2020. (aun/Adobe Stock)

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