Avera Again Launches ‘Ask the Question’ to Prevent Suicide
Avera Again Launches ‘Ask the Question’ to Prevent Suicide
During September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month, Avera has launched its Ask the Question public service campaign for the fifth year.
This campaign is built around a research-based premise that being direct can save lives. Asking someone who is struggling a direct question, “are you thinking about suicide?” in a caring way can open a meaningful conversation that leads to the person at risk getting help. Generous donations to the Avera Foundation fully fund Avera’s award-winning Ask the Question campaign, which was started in 2022.
Avera will observe World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10 and share awareness messages in media outlets, social media, emails, billboards, posters and more throughout the month of September and again during the holiday season, which is often difficult for people facing behavioral health conditions including depression and anxiety.
Ask the Question focuses on all ages. In the lifetime of this campaign, Avera has directed messaging toward specific audiences including teens, ag producers and veterans.
“By delivering straightforward messaging, Ask the Question breaks through societal taboos and encourages dialogue. It confronts the myth that asking about suicide is dangerous and may plant the idea in someone’s head. It acknowledges that suicide affects communities and emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in prevention,” said Thomas Otten, Vice President for Avera Behavioral Health.
“The campaign’s public nature ensures widespread visibility, fostering a supportive environment for those struggling. Its clarity helps dismantle stigmas, making it easier for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. Ultimately, by promoting awareness and understanding, we’re helping to cultivate a culture of empathy and support,” Otten added.
It’s important for everyone to know the signs of suicide risk:
- Talking about wanting to die
- Feeling hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
Behaviors that may signal risk include:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Withdrawing from activities or relationships
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changing behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors, especially when related to a major life event.
- Hearing resignation in their voice and saying things like “I don’t care anymore” or “I’m done.”
Through the Zero Suicide initiative, Avera has suicide screening and assessment tools for use at primary care and emergency visits.
The Ask the Question campaign takes these preventive efforts a step further by giving everyone tools and resources to help prevent suicides. This includes specialized resources for teens and veterans.
“Ask the Question has been an important reset in our minds of how the sensitive topic can be brought up by a loved one when someone exhibits warning signs. Avera has developed resources including: patient education, talking points, messaging and creative materials that can be used and updated in years to come as we continually strive to make a difference and open the conversation around important topics,” said Lindsey Meyers, Avera Vice President for Communications, Public Relations and Community Engagement.
If someone is having a mental health crisis:
- Call or text 988.
- In Sioux Falls: Go to Avera Behavioral Health Urgent Care at 4400 W 69th St.
- Outside Sioux Falls: Go to your closest emergency department.
Visit Avera.org/AskTheQuestion to learn more.
Media Contact:
Michelle Pokorney | Public Relations Manager
605-323-8090 | michelle.pokorney@avera.org
About Avera Health
The Avera Health system has 22,600 employees and physicians, serving more than 315 locations and 100 communities in a five-state region. Our ministry, our people and our superior value distinguish Avera. We carry on the health care legacy of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, delivering care in an environment guided by our values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship. For more information about Avera, visit our website at Avera.org.
