Central Washington Hospital reported a 64% increase in non-fatal suicide attempt emergency room visits for patients age 18 and under in 2020 compared to the previous year, according to data received from Confluence Health.
The numbers include visits for self-harm, suicide attempts and suicidal ideation — recurring and contemplative thoughts about suicide. The rise in emergency room visits mirrors statewide and national numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Know of any good support groups in the area geared towards youth? Please share here.
Rickard, a licensed psychologist, graduated from Washington State University in 2004. She is the CEO for Moment-by-Moment Suicide Prevention (@MbMSP) and co-founder of the National Center for Suicide Survivors PLLC (@helpforsuicide) in Wenatchee. She founded and directs the Suicide Prevention Coalition of North Central Washington in 2012 due to the rise in suicides at that time. She has worked diligently over the years to expand awareness and address high-risk populations locally. Rickard is well known throughout the Northwest region for her work in the primary care behavioral health model of integrating psychologists into medical settings, coaching physicians, working with difficult issues, suicide prevention, geriatric issues, and is a sought-after speaker on health and wellness topics. She works with employers, schools and senior facilities to assist in managing high risk situations, policy creation, pathways to care, dealing with loss and creating an engaging culture. Her work in senior suicide prevention was featured on PBS and NPR. Rickard is the keynote speaker for the upcoming 2021 Montana Gerontology Society conference.
