MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV.
LAREDO, TX – After a press conference, members of the Committee Against Suicide took to the streets to proclaim «Stop Suicide» and urge people to call 988 to save lives.
In Laredo, 15 suicides have been confirmed, and we must help those who are going through difficult times, five speakers declared from the podium.
The proclamation for the month of September was signed to intensify the Campaign Against Suicide.
Dr. Julie Bazan, president of the Committee Against Suicide, said from the podium: «We are gathered to kick off the month of September, to raise awareness and prevent suicide.»
Organizations that provide mental health services are also participating in this campaign for life.
«Our call to the community is to raise awareness for life,» said Dr. Bazan. «We insist every day, but the month of September is special for life.» Mayor Víctor Trevino signed the proclamation and, in his capacity as a physician, stated that outreach should be intensified and that people should call 988 for help to save their lives.
Ericka Lopez, representing Dr. Richard Chamberlain, said that the crusade to raise awareness and help those experiencing moments of anguish will allow them to find a way out of their despair.
Ricardo Gonzalez, assistant to the Laredo police chief, indicated that continuing to fight the scourge makes sense because numerous organizations are helping to prevent suicides.
Councilwoman Melissa Cigarroa, of District III, emphasized the urgent need for the awareness campaign to prevent suicide.