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SAN JUAN – The Puerto Rico Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (ASSMCA) reported that it received 866 suicide‑related calls in October, according to Secretary of Public Affairs Jean Peña Payano. In total, the agency handled 20,522 calls during the month. Payano delivered the figures during a press briefing at the En Récord conference, after journalists asked about recent incidents of violence, gender‑based violence, and the need to strengthen mental‑health services. He urged people experiencing emotional distress to seek professional help and emphasized the importance of community support. “These tragedies affect families, communities, and businesses,” Payano said. “We must call for help and support those who are struggling.” The secretary noted that many men tend to keep their emotional problems hidden, underscoring the need to reinforce prevention messages and improve access to available services. ASSMCA program coordinator Victoria Rodríguez Rodríguez explained that the agency runs community initiatives to identify warning signs, reduce mental‑health stigma, and connect individuals with specialized treatment. She highlighted the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which allows callers to receive immediate assistance and referrals to ASSMCA programs. “People often fear taking that first step,” Rodríguez Rodríguez said. “The 988 line is a vital resource that can guide individuals to the help they need.” She added that services extend beyond telephone support to include community visits, educational interventions, and referral mechanisms for those requiring socio‑emotional assistance. When asked about prevention efforts for gender‑based violence, Rodríguez Rodríguez stressed that responsibility lies with everyone, not just one gender. She acknowledged that research identifies trends of violence that warrant preventive action and that education should begin in communities and schools. “Identifying warning signs in those around us and offering timely support are key to reducing suicide risk and addressing emotional suffering,” she said. ASSMCA also partners with nonprofit organizations to broaden access to counseling and treatment, especially for people facing barriers to help. The agency reiterated that anyone in need of support can call the 988 Lifeline or the toll‑free number 1‑800‑981‑0023. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, free of charge and confidentially. Article source: Presencia | Image credit: Presencia
SAN JUAN – The Puerto Rico Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (ASSMCA) reported that it received 866 suicide‑related calls in October, according to Secretary of Public Affairs Jean Peña Payano. In total, the agency handled 20,522 calls during the month. Payano delivered the figures during a press briefing at the En Récord conference, after journalists asked about recent incidents of violence, gender‑based violence, and the need to strengthen mental‑health services. He urged people experiencing emotional distress to seek professional help and emphasized the importance of community support. “These tragedies affect families, communities, and businesses,” Payano said. “We must call for help and support those who are struggling.” The secretary noted that many men tend to keep their emotional problems hidden, underscoring the need to reinforce prevention messages and improve access to available services. ASSMCA program coordinator Victoria Rodríguez Rodríguez explained that the agency runs community initiatives to identify warning signs, reduce mental‑health stigma, and connect individuals with specialized treatment. She highlighted the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which allows callers to receive immediate assistance and referrals to ASSMCA programs. “People often fear taking that first step,” Rodríguez Rodríguez said. “The 988 line is a vital resource that can guide individuals to the help they need.” She added that services extend beyond telephone support to include community visits, educational interventions, and referral mechanisms for those requiring socio‑emotional assistance. When asked about prevention efforts for gender‑based violence, Rodríguez Rodríguez stressed that responsibility lies with everyone, not just one gender. She acknowledged that research identifies trends of violence that warrant preventive action and that education should begin in communities and schools. “Identifying warning signs in those around us and offering timely support are key to reducing suicide risk and addressing emotional suffering,” she said. ASSMCA also partners with nonprofit organizations to broaden access to counseling and treatment, especially for people facing barriers to help. The agency reiterated that anyone in need of support can call the 988 Lifeline or the toll‑free number 1‑800‑981‑0023. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, free of charge and confidentially.
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