Numerous news reports and editorials have flooded media outlets over the past two weeks following the tragic deaths by suicide of two celebrities, concurrently with the release of a CDC study confirming a significant rise in suicide nationwide over the past 20 years. There has been speculation about the role played by depression and other mental illness in these deaths, and … [Read more...] about The Elephant in the Room
Suicide Increase
Another Example of Vermont’s Doublespeak on Suicide
Once again the Vermont Legislature is exhibiting an alarming inconsistency on the topic of suicide. The March 19 Burlington Free Press carries an article about a House resolution discussed March 18 in the Vermont House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs. … [Read more...] about Another Example of Vermont’s Doublespeak on Suicide
Our Tax Dollars at Work: Prettifying Suicide and Ignoring the Vulnerable
The Vermont Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard testimony on Wednesday on Act 39. The two questions being examined: “Is Act 39 working?” and “Should the sunset provisions in Act 39 be repealed?” Testimony was heard from a dozen people, nearly all of whom acknowledged that there are problems with the law, including the lack of documentation required, and the scarcity of … [Read more...] about Our Tax Dollars at Work: Prettifying Suicide and Ignoring the Vulnerable
Vermont’s Suicide Conflict of Interest
Two stories were in the Vermont news this week that highlight a very real conflict of interest over suicide in this State. Vermont Public Radio aired an interview with JoEllen Tarallo-Falk, Director of the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center (VTSPC), on suicide prevention: http://digital.vpr.net/post/more-funding-needed-suicide-prevention-advocates-say Meanwhile, several … [Read more...] about Vermont’s Suicide Conflict of Interest
Thirty-Two Year Old Terminally Ill Cancer Patient, Once Suicidal Himself, Dedicates His Last Days to Suicide Prevention
On the heels of seemingly relentless media hype over a propaganda piece circulating from the pro-assisted-suicide group Compassion and Choices (formerly the Hemlock Society), USA Today has published a story about the rise in suicides in the United States and the appalling lack of a unified effort to stop it. We objected strongly to the exploitation by Compassion and Choices … [Read more...] about Thirty-Two Year Old Terminally Ill Cancer Patient, Once Suicidal Himself, Dedicates His Last Days to Suicide Prevention