• The rate of suicide in the U.S. increased by 30% from 2000 to 2020.¹
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children aged 10–14 and adults aged 35–44, and the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15–24.²

Magellan Healthcare, Inc., the behavioral health division of Magellan Health, Inc., today announced it will host two free webinars and provide additional resources to increase awareness about the signs of suicide, the importance of speaking up if you are concerned about someone who may be struggling or you are experiencing suicidal feelings. Magellan offers these resources in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September.

Magellan Federal will host a webinar to discuss the prevalence of suicide in the military and resources and strategies to help reduce military suicides from 2-3 p.m. EDT on Thursday, September 7. Expert panelists will include:

• Jason Kuttner, supervisor, Adolescent Support and Counseling Service;
• Scott Harris, LMFT, LPC, regional supervisor, Military & Family Life Counseling Services;
• Diona Emmanuel, consultant, Employee Assistance Program

Attendees will learn about the risks and warning signs of suicide and walk away with tips and tools to help protect service members, veterans, and family members. Visit here for more information and free registration.

Magellan Healthcare will also host the webinar, “Say more, save a life” from 2-3 p.m. EDT Friday, September 29. Expert panelists will include:

• Andrew Sassani, M.D., Magellan vice president and chief medical officer for California;
• Lyle Forehand, M.D., medical director;
• Abe Robertson-Gordon, CPSW, recovery support navigator

The discussion will include a personal story from someone who previously struggled with suicidal ideation and will offer advice on how to speak up and talk about suicide to get the necessary help for you or someone you know. Visit here for more information and free registration.

Additional Suicide Prevention Awareness Month community resources include:

• Individuals who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other emotional distress, should call or text 988. Those who are worried about someone else can also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is available 24/7 and offers free, confidential support.
• Visit Magellanhealthcare.com/Prevent-Suicide for Magellan events, downloads, and other resources for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month.
• Visit the Magellan Health Insights blog for posts on suicide prevention throughout September and all year long.

“According to the CDC, in this country, one death by suicide takes place every 11 minutes,” said Dr. Andrew Sassani, Magellan vice president and chief medical officer for California. “That’s why it’s so important that we learn about the risk factors and warning signs to help a person in need before it is too late. The focus on suicide prevention during September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is noteworthy because it is the first full year since the debut of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.”

About Magellan Health: Magellan Health, Inc. supports innovative ways of accessing better health through technology while remaining focused on the critical personal relationships that are necessary to achieve a healthy, vibrant life. Magellan's customers include health plans and other managed care organizations, employers, labor unions, various military and governmental agencies, and third-party administrators. For more information, visit MagellanHealth.com.

About Magellan Healthcare: Magellan Healthcare, Inc., the healthcare business unit of Magellan Health, Inc., offers solutions for complex conditions in the areas of behavioral health. Magellan Healthcare and its subsidiaries serve commercial health plans, employers, state and local governments, and the federal government, including the Department of Defense. For more information, visit MagellanHealthcare.com.

(MGLN-GEN)

¹ CDC, Leading Causes of Death.

² CDC, Leading Causes of Death.

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