The administrator of Puerto Rico’s Administration of Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services (ASSMCA), Dr. Catherine Oliver Franco, urged families and communities to pay attention to warning signs of suicidal thoughts, following recent suicide deaths in different settings mainly in the southern part of the island. Warning signs include expressions of wishing to die, feeling hopeless or like a burden, isolation, saying goodbye or giving away important belongings, and marked changes in mood, sleep, or alcohol and substance use.
Oliver Franco said staff from the Línea PAS helpline will approach affected families and communities to offer emotional support as part of postvention, ASSMCA’s efforts to help people who have lost a loved one to suicide. She recommended approaching the person calmly, listening without judging, and asking directly whether they are thinking about suicide; if there is immediate risk, to stay with them, seek emergency assistance, and safely reduce access to harmful objects.
ASSMCA continues expanding its Hazlo Por Ti educational initiative, holding talks and visits at schools, communities, workplaces, and long-term care facilities, collaborating with the Suicide Prevention Commission, and training community leaders as "guardians of hope." Its Employee Assistance Program reaches government agencies. The Línea PAS is free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 1-800-981-0023, the national 9-8-8 number, video sign-language calls at 787-615-4112, and online chat at lineapas.assmca.pr.gov.