This makes so much sense. According to the World Health Organization, keeping in touch with suicidal people after they were initially treated, saves lives. From the story: In its latest bulletin, the U.N. agency said 85 percent of suicide attempts took place in developing countries. Worldwide, it was among the top three causes of death among people aged between 15 and 34.
Studies show the same is true of people who would qualify for assisted suicide in Oregon and under Washington’s I-1000, not to mention those who die in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and etc. But those people don’t receive the initial suicide prevention and so may not live to have the follow up contacts.
New research showed telephone calls and other regular contact after patients were released from hospital dramatically reduced the likelihood of their attempting suicide again.
You have a decision to make: double or nothing.
For this week only, a generous supporter has offered to fully match all new and increased donations to First Things up to $60,000.
In other words, your gift of $50 unlocks $100 for First Things, your gift of $100 unlocks $200, and so on, up to a total of $120,000. But if you don’t give, nothing.
So what will it be, dear reader: double, or nothing?
Make your year-end gift go twice as far for First Things by giving now.