According to Richard McKeon, the lead health adviser for suicide prevention at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, "calls to suicide crisis centers have increased sharply in the past year -- with more than 57,000 calls in July alone."

He added that "about a quarter of the calls were linked to economic distress." In response, "SAMHSA plans to provide more than $1 million in additional money this year to help up to 20 crisis centers facing a big uptick in the number of calls for help as well as possible state and local budget cuts."

In Oklahoma, "calls to HeartLine's suicide prevention hot line are up significantly this year, and many callers report financial woes and economic uncertainty," the Oklahoman (6/6, Simpson) reports. Data indicate that "the number of calls...increased 27 percent for the first half of 2009, from 1,899 calls to 2,413." Still, Tom Taylor, development and outreach director for HeartLine, noted that although "the economic downturn is a factor...more calls is not necessarily bad news." He added that "it's actually a good thing that more people are reaching out."

Related Links:

- "Spike in suicide calls due to economy," Associated Press, August 5, 2009.