Suicide Help Calls Up at Local Call Centers
Posted 04/15/2009
By Abby Lane
KOAA (NBC news)
The shooting deaths of a Colorado Springs couple is ruled a murder-suicide. It happened Sunday night on Greenwood Circle.
Police say 38-year-old Fidencio Ordaz-Gonzales shot 36-year-old Paula Ordaz, and then turned the gun on himself. This once again focuses the spotlight on the growing suicide rate in El PasoCounty, but there is help available.
Calls for suicide help to the Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1 call center have tripled since last year. “First we have to see if they are in any immediate danger of hurting themselves or anyone else in the home,” said Sara Davies, a 2-1-1 staff member.
Employees receive special training in handling suicidal callers. After looking at the situation, they have more than 500 agencies and 2500 services to suggest to callers.
“A lot of times people need financial help,” said Davies. “A lot of times people just need someone to talk to or visit them.”
The hotline is free and confidential and available 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. “If they're calling and they're talking about committing suicide they are crying out for help,” said Davies. “They need somebody to talk to.”
A community forum about suicide called "El Paso County Suicide Rates: Cause for Alarm?" is being held at the Crowne Plaza on May 20. It's being put on by Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group and the Suicide Prevention Partnership. Admission is $30.