Suicide Prevention Month event in eastern North Carolina

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - September is Suicide Prevention Month and since the covid-19 pandemic started, the rate of suicides has increased.

In 2019, an estimated over 1.4 million people attempted suicide.

Suicide prevention can begin by starting a conversation and providing support for those who may need it.

Vidant Health partnered with the Pitt County Coalition on Substance Use and held a virtual event Thursday night.

Ricky Johnson was one of the speakers who lost his son to suicide five years ago.

Johnson says mental health plays a huge role in suicide prevention.

Experts say within the last 15 to 20 years, suicide rates have risen an alarming 33%.

Experts say we can help others by following up with loved ones and providing support services to help prevent suicide.

This coming Sunday, Beaufort County is holding a prayer vigil for people who may have thought about suicide or families and friends who are dealing with the loss of a loved one from suicide.

The event is at Festival Park starting at 4 pm.

“The prayer vigil will be providing support through prayer, information and hope to combat stress and the pressures of life that put people in the dark river of discouragement, depression and despair,” according to a flyer.

To contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24 hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call is routed to the nearest crisis center in the national network of more than 150 crisis centers.

Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit.

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