Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a serious public health problem that has shattered the lives of millions of people, families, and communities nationwide.
 
Facts about Suicide:
 
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than twice as many lives each year as homicides.
 
More than 8 million adults reported having serious suicidal thoughts in the past year, 2.5 million people reported making a suicide plan in the past year, and 1.1 million reported a suicide attempt in the past year.
 
 
 
How You Can Play a Role in Preventing Suicide
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide by being aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviors:
  • Talking about wanting to die; feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain; being a burden to others;
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself;
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs; 
  • Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless; 
  • Sleeping too little or too much;
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated; 
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and 
  • Displaying extreme mood swings.

WHAT YOU CAN DO If you believe someone is at risk of suicide: 
  • Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. (This will not put the idea into their heads, or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.); 
  • Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255); 
  • Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional; 
  • Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and 
  • If possible, do not leave the person alone.

RESOURCES For additional information about the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, visit: http://www.samhsa.gov/nssp http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Free HIV/STD Testing

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans living with HIV doesn’t know it? The CDC recommends everyone get tested for HIV/AIDS each year as a matter of routine health care. Know your status-get yourself tested!

Did you know that 1 in 2 sexually active young people will get an STD by the age of 25? The good news-all are treatable and many are curable. But you need to know your status so get yourself tested!



Now is your opportunity to get tested and know your status for FREE. Student Health Services is sponsoring Free HIV/STD testing on the first Thursday of each month beginning on Thursday Sept. 6th. Testing will be from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Campus Center, CE 148.

Testing is free, safe and confidential.

No appointment necessary. The testing is conducted by the Bellflower Clinic and the Damien Center. Tests offered include a HIV and Syphilis blood draw, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and a rapid HIV test (oral swab). Testing dates during the Fall 2012 semester are Sept. 6th, Oct. 4th, Nov. 1st, and Dec. 6th.

For more information, please visit our website at http://health.iupui.edu, email Emily Werner at wernere@iupui.edu or call 317-274-WELL. You can also stop by Campus Center Student Health in Campus Center 213 for more information, to talk to the Wellness Educator, or to pick up your free Safe Sex Kits.

Free testing is sponsored by Student Health Services, part of the Division of Student Life.