Service Dogs Saving Lives sets community events June 20

Service Dogs Saving Lives uses multiple platforms to raise awareness about mental health struggles and the importance of using service dogs as lifesaving resources.

The organization will host a community event from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, June 20, at the Rollins Community Center, 101 Adams Ave., Lewes. A second event will be be held that day from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Wheelhouse at Fisherman’s Wharf, 7 Anglers Road, Lewes.

Presenters will explain the methodology of using highly trained service dogs as suicide prevention agents for veterans, first responders and others suffering with mental health issues and suicide ideation.

A leading cause of death and an important public health problem in the United States, suicide is a tragedy for all involved – the people and their families, friends, neighbors, colleagues and communities.

In Delaware and nationally, men are more likely to die by suicide than women. For non-Hispanic white males, in particular, the rate between 2014 and 2019 was 24.6 per 100,000 people in the state. While Delawareans with an armed forces background comprise fewer than 10% of the state's population, they accounted for nearly 20% of suicides between 2014 and 2018. In Sussex County, the rate of suicide for males ages 25-64 is 17.8% per 100,000 population, the highest percentage of all three counties, according to the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.

To connect immediately with a caring and trained crisis counselor, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 for free, confidential support. 

To learn more, go to servicedogssavinglives.org.