Media Advisory

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Monday, October 3, 2011

What:

Contra Costa residents who were directly affected by suicide share their inspiring stories on a locally produced television show to inform viewers that suicide is preventable and that there is hope for recovery. Local mental health experts who are also featured on the show share resource information.

Who:

Contra Costa Health Services' "Get Ready, Get Healthy" is a 30-minute talk-show produced in collaboration with Contra Costa Television. The suicide prevention episode includes interviews with Tamara Hunter, a suicide attempt survivor who shares her message of hope and Fran Martin, a woman who shares the guilt she feels for not intervening with someone who died by suicide. Other guests on the show include from the Contra Costa Crisis Center, Crisis Line and 211 Director Judi Hampshire, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center Chief Psychiatrist Dr. Charles Saldana and Licensed and Family Therapist Cesar Court.

When:

"Get Ready, Get Healthy: Suicide Prevention", will air in October on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. on Contra Costa Television, channels 27 for Comcast viewers, 32 for Astound viewers and 99 for AT&T.

Why:

"Recent statistics show suicide is more than twice as common as homicide and in Contra Costa there were 120 known deaths by suicide last year. That's an average of 10 suicides per month!" said Mary Roy, with the Behavioral Health Division of Contra Costa Health Services. "Yet suicide is preventable and help is available. This show will provide resources and information so people know where to turn to for help."

To find out more about Get Ready, Get Healthy or for mental health resources visit Contra Costa Health Services website at www.cchealth.org

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