The Macomb County Suicide Prevention Coalition (MacombSPC) is a group of individuals from many walks of life who are interested in helping to reduce the incidence of suicide in Macomb County, Michigan.  Although the membership includes people who work in the fields of social work, education, theology, mental health, medicine, and law enforcement, it is open to anyone who is interested in suicide prevention.  You don’t have to be an expert to join in our efforts.

1.  Suicide is everyone’s business.

Suicide is a significant public health problem in Macomb County. Since 2010 (exception 2012), the Macomb County Office of the Medical Examiner has reported over 100 suicides per year ranging from 102-136 (exception 2012 = 94) This only accounts for a portion of the actual number of suicides considering that many suicides are recorded as accidental deaths, accidental overdoses, or single car accidents.

Furthermore, the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) estimates that there is an attempt of suicide every 26 seconds. For every adult death from suicide, there are an estimated 25 attempts and that number is staggeringly higher for youth. For every youth suicide, AAS estimates that between 100 and 200 attempts are made. Recent research reveals that “135 people are exposed” to someone’s death from suicide. (Cerel, 2019).

With community collaboration and a multi-faceted approach, the Macomb County Suicide Prevention Coalition (MacombSPC) promotes efforts to reduce the incidence of suicide and suicidal behavior.

The MacombSPC has developed a plan that represents a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention through awareness, education, intervention, support, monitoring, and evaluation. From this plan the Coalition has reached thousands of people with outreach initiatives that include viewings of documentary movies, suicide prevention gatekeeper trainings, educational materials distributed to key groups and informational booths at various events around the county. We continue to plan effective ways to expand the message that every life is worth saving.

Interested in attending a meeting or getting involved? Email your interest to Macomb County Suicide Prevention Coalition at macombcountyspc@gmail.com for more information.