The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is one of many organizations country-wide recognizing September as both National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month. According to the 2023 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), close to 17% of Americans 12 years and older battled a substance use order while according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there were an estimated 1.5 million suicide attempts in 2023.
These numbers are magnified by the New Jersey Department of Children and Family’s Youth Suicide Brief, which shows that suicide was the third-leading cause of death amongst youth in the Garden State. In addition, male youth suicide rates were three times higher in New Jersey than females.
“With this month being National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month, it is an opportune time to reinforce the effectiveness of behavioral healthcare services and vital importance of ensuring timely access to them. NJAMHAA continues to work hand-in-hand with our member organizations, and remain steadfast in our mission to advocate for the highest-quality mental health and substance use treatment services for the residents of New Jersey,” said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of NJAMHAA.
“These observances serve as reminders of the necessity of continued, unwavering support for accessible, compassionate mental health care for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially our youth and providing strength for those in recovery,” Dr. Wentz added.
In NJAMHAA’s most recent advocacy campaign, “Untold Stories: Why Access to Care Must Be the Highest Priority,” multiple brave people come forward to tell their stories of their battles with substance abuse along with suicidal thoughts and how important it is for there to be services for people who need help in the most trying of times.
“It is of the utmost importance that the community knows that even in the darkest of times, there are options of care and support systems available, whenever they are needed,” Dr. Wentz said. “By highlighting the year-round work that our member agencies do, we as a community, can continue to offer the best support to those who are the most in need.”
