Pyeongtaek City is taking the lead in spreading a culture of respect for life by building a more robust community-based suicide prevention system. Pyeongtaek and Songtan Public Health Centers are continuously expanding the "Life-Respecting Safe Village" initiative, which focuses on early detection of high-risk suicide groups and providing tailored support. This year, five additional areas have been designated, bringing the total to 13 safe villages in operation. This expansion is seen as a strong testament to Pyeongtaek City's commitment to reducing the suicide rate.
Key Strategies and Achievements of the Life-Respecting Safe Village Initiative
Pyeongtaek City's "Life-Respecting Safe Village" initiative goes beyond simply helping individuals at risk of suicide; it focuses on establishing a system where the entire community participates in suicide prevention. Key activities include:
Early Detection of High-Risk Suicide Groups and Tailored Support: Pyeongtaek City prioritizes proactively identifying high-risk suicide groups, such as suicide attempt survivors, individuals with depression, and elderly living alone. They provide diverse, customized services to these individuals, including consultations with mental health professionals, referrals for psychological treatment, and financial support for medical expenses, to aid their emotional stability and recovery. Furthermore, continuous case management helps reduce the risk of relapse and supports them in leading stable lives.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaigns: Various campaigns are conducted to address societal prejudices against suicide and promote a culture of respect for life. Public awareness activities inform local residents about the seriousness of suicide and emphasize the importance of suicide prevention, thereby improving public perception and encouraging social interest. This plays a significant role in breaking the taboo surrounding suicide and encouraging attention to neighbors in need.
Expansion of Life Supporter Training: Training for "Life Supporters" is continuously provided to local residents. Life Supporters are neighbors who can detect suicide risk signals and connect individuals to specialized institutions. They approach those showing signs of suicidal ideation, offer comfort and support, and, if necessary, connect them with professional help, such as mental health welfare centers. Pyeongtaek City encourages residents from diverse occupations and age groups to participate in Life Supporter training, contributing to the spread of a life-respecting culture within the community.
Blocking Access to Suicide Methods: Efforts are also being made to reduce access to high-risk suicide methods, such as charcoal briquettes. Through cooperation with retailers, Pyeongtaek City explores practical measures to block suicide methods, such as encouraging caution during sales or providing guidance on safe storage of dangerous items.
Since 2024, Pyeongtaek City has operated safe villages in eight areas: Sinpyeong-dong, Bijeon 1-dong, Yongyi-dong, Paengseong-eup, Anjung-eup, Jungang-dong, Seojeong-dong, and Godeok-dong. This year, five more areas have been added: Wonpyeong-dong, Bijeon 2-dong, Cheongbuk-eup, Godeok-myeon, and Songbuk-dong, expanding the total to 13 areas. This encompasses a significant portion of Pyeongtaek City's total population and is expected to greatly contribute to broadening the suicide prevention safety net.
Maximizing Synergy Through Public-Private Collaboration
Pyeongtaek City is focused on strengthening collaboration between public institutions and private organizations to maximize the effectiveness of its suicide prevention efforts. The Pyeongtaek Public Health Center has established an organic linkage system through close agreements with local medical institutions, social welfare organizations, and volunteer groups, covering the entire process from identifying high-risk suicide groups to counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation. This public-private partnership is crucial for increasing the sustainability of suicide prevention initiatives and providing necessary services to more citizens.
Seo Dal-yeong, head of Pyeongtaek Public Health Center, emphasized, "Suicide prevention in the community cannot be achieved by administrative efforts alone; a culture of respect for life created together by community members is paramount." He further expressed his commitment to "continuously expand the initiative so that more citizens can enjoy healthy and safe lives." This suggests that suicide prevention is not simply the task of a specific department but a challenge that the entire community must work together to address.
Pyeongtaek City's Continuous Efforts and Future Outlook
Based on the successful operation of the "Life-Respecting Safe Village" initiative, Pyeongtaek City plans to discover and expand various suicide prevention programs in the future. In particular, they aim to contribute to reducing the suicide rate through comprehensive efforts, including strengthening suicide prevention education, improving access to mental health services, and establishing support programs for suicide bereaved families.
Pyeongtaek City's continuous efforts will play a vital role in spreading a culture of respect for life within the community and establishing a foundation for citizens to lead psychologically healthy and safe lives. Institutions or organizations wishing to participate in the "Life-Respecting Safe Village" initiative can contact the Pyeongtaek City Mental Health Welfare Center. It is hoped that Pyeongtaek City's advanced suicide prevention model will spread nationwide and contribute to saving more lives.
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