More needs to be done to prevent suicide, a public health problem that claims a life every 16 minutes in the United States. However, stigma and misconceptions about mental illnesses and suicide continue to be barriers.

Since National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 9-15, I would like to use this time to encourage the public to learn more about suicide. For example, research shows that more than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have an underlying, although not always diagnosed, psychiatric illness at the time of their deaths.

On Sunday, Sept. 9, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will conduct one of its Out of the Darkness Community Walks in Portland around Back Cove. Funds will support suicide prevention research, educational and survivor support programs.

Walk with us and help bring suicide “out of the darkness.” Together we can help save lives. For more information visit www.outofthedarkness.org or contact me at 207-822-9989.

Rhoda Freeman

Portland