This week is National Suicide Prevention Week. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, it is the 9th leading cause of death in the state, and the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 15-34 years old.
Dr. Ann Rathe, a psychiatrist at the Waverly Health Center, tells us about a special contract Bremer County has with the Iowa Help Line, a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline:
Dr. Rathe also says individuals in a mental health crisis can receive help in an emergency room and will not be turned away due to a lack of health insurance.