C.O. COVID-19 update: Suicide prevention resources, poison control info on disinfectants

SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES AVAILABLE

During these unprecedented times, it is normal to be concerned about suicide risk in our communities. Suicide is the most preventable form of death and something we can all do to help prevent suicide is to promote resources in our community. 

“Deschutes County has certainly been impacted by suicide death; and unfortunately, so far this year we have been seeing suicide deaths consistent with our average rate over the last few years,” said Whitney Schumacher, Deschutes County Suicide Prevention Coordinator.

“We have not seen a correlation between COVID-19 and suicide in Deschutes County. However, our local suicide rate is one of the highest in the state, which is why it is important that we as a community continue to prioritize suicide prevention work.” Suicide is a complex public health issue and no single thing causes a person to take their life. There are warning signs we can all keep a lookout for:

• Social Isolation — physically distancing ourselves does not mean we need to socially disconnect. Reach out to folks in your life, whether they are near or far
• Despair caused by financial hardship, job loss, or other stressful life events
• Excessive levels of anxiety, panic, or depression
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
• Access to lethal means – suicides can be avoided if people do not have an easy way to act on suicidal impulses during their most vulnerable moments. Safe storage of lethal means is key to helping prevent suicide.

 Suicide during this unprecedented time is not inevitable. We’re all in this together, help is a phone call away:

• Deschutes County Crisis Line: 541-322-7500 x9
• Jefferson County BestCare Prevention: 541-475-6575
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance’s Resource page: www.preventsuicideco.org
• Individuals age 55 or older and feeling isolated or just want to have a friendly conversation, call the Senior Loneliness Line at 503-200-1633
• Individuals age 21 or younger and want support for any problem, big or small, text teen2teen to 839863 or call YouthLine at 1-877-968-8491.

POISON CONTROL HOSTS DISINFECTANTS Q&A NEXT WEEK; REMINDERS ABOUT CLEANERS, UNAUTHORIZED MEDICINE

Rumors persist about off-label use of disinfectants and unauthorized medical treatments for COVID-19. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), Oregon Poison Center, and Virginia Poison Center will host a “disinfectants Q&A” via Facebook on April 30, 2020 at 2pm ET. From the AAPCC: “As Americans navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces continues to be an important part of preventing the spread. It can be difficult to determine the difference between facts and myths regarding COVID-19.” The Q&A will mitigate this issue by providing tips for how to use disinfectants safely and effectively to prevent the spread of disease. 

Questions or concerns about possible ingestion of unknown or possibly dangerous substances should be directed to call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org.

Centers for Disease Control guidance for disinfectants is at: Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Home.

Oregon Poison Center at Oregon Health Sciences University recommends the following:

There are no supplements, medications or remedies that are known to be effective in treating or preventing COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. More details in March 25 statement: Oregon Poison Center at OHSU warns against dangerous COVID-19 remedies circulating on social media. 

ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts in Crook County, Deschutes County and Jefferson County point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information. 

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities   

To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541-316-0087 or aloregoninfo@gmail.com">centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.