“There is nothing more important than the issue we are here to discuss.”

Those were the opening words of South Carolina Suicide Prevention Coalition co-chair John Magill.

Coalition members met last week to discuss the state’s alarming suicide rates.

Suicide is the 2nd-leading cause of death for South Carolinians aged 10-35, according to the SPC.

50 people died by suicide in Lexington County last year.

Office of Suicide Prevention Director Jennifer Butler says that’s too many.

“Every life, every voice matters. We can’t afford to lose even one.”

In September 2015, the SC Department of Mental Health was awarded a federal Garrett Lee Smith Memorial grant to fund the SC Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative.

The initiative is a community-based effort with a goal of reducing suicide among youth and young adults aged 10-24 by 20% by 2025.

SCYSPI aims to screen at least 30,000 youth and young adults for suicide risk and mental health needs during the next 5 years.

Community members and legislators are on board.

Sen. Katrina Shealy of Lexington County is co-chair on the Suicide Prevention Coalition. She pushed for a federal 3-digit phone number for mental health emergencies.

The 988 number will automatically connect the caller to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

The FCC is currently taking public comments before approving the number.

The annual Area Out of the Darkness Community Walk garnered 5,368 participants in Columbia this October.

What can you do?

• Know the signs and symptoms of suicide risk

• Talk to friends and family

• Text HOME to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

• Prestamos servicios en español (1-888-628-9454).

If you or your business is interested in setting up a free suicide intervention training or for more more resources on suicide prevention, email osp@scdmh.org .