Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Suicide Prevention Tool Launched by Facebook

by Sheela Philomena on Dec 14 2011 8:40 PM

Suicide Prevention Tool Launched by Facebook
Facebook launches new effort to prevent suicides.
The new service enables Facebook users to report a suicidal comment they see posted by a friend to Facebook using either the Report Suicidal Content link or the report links found throughout the site.

The person who posted the suicidal comment will immediately receive an e-mail from Facebook encouraging them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or to click on a link to begin a confidential chat session with a crisis worker.

The Lifeline is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Link2Health Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mental Health Association of New York City.

The Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis counseling to anyone in need 24/7 and has answered over 3 million calls since its launch in 2005.

Facebook's Chief Security Officer, Joe Sullivan said the social network is 'proud to expand their partnership with Lifeline, and to provide people in crisis with more options to seek help.'

"The Lifeline's commitment to suicide prevention has enabled people on Facebook to get fast, meaningful help when they need it most, and we look forward to continuing our work with them to help save lives," Sullivan added.

Advertisement
Source-ANI


Advertisement