In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated September 10 of each year as the "World Suicide Prevention Day" to promote awareness of suicide's impact on society as a whole. A survey in 2000 indicated that one million people out of the 6.5 billion on this planet died through suicide, a staggering number.
In recent years there has been a sharp increase in the number of suicide cases in Taiwan, placing suicide 9th among the top ten causes of death. This was particularly disturbing, as the number of deaths from other causes has all declined dramatically. The fact that suicide was the only cause of death on the rise should sound alarms. For example, the number of suicides in 1991 was 1,465. By 2000 this had increased to 2,471 and in 2006 it had grown to 4,406. The tripling of suicide deaths in a period of just 15 years is very worrying for our society.
Over the past few decades the annual number of suicide cases in Taiwan had always ranged between one and two thousand. 2002 was the first year where it passed the three thousand mark. The number of suicides has continued to rise. People in their prime have been the most vulnerable, followed by the elderly then the youths and children.
In response to the increasing number of suicides, Taiwan's community medical groups, health organizations and the Department of Health set up the "National Suicide Prevention Center" to try give those without a hope a new chance. The DDHSIF in particular organized the "Caring for Life" walking prayer event on September 10, 2006 in commemorating the World Suicide Prevention Day in Taipei City.
At the same time, the Foundation launched the "No, Suicide, No" (www.no-suicide-no.com) website, published No, Suicide, No pamphlets and produced advertising, outdoor billboards and lamp displays to offer words of encouragement and hope to those going through dark times, In just three months, the "Care for Life, Respect for Life, Treasure Life" social movement swept through Taiwan and made a lasting impact on society.
At the year 2000"Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders", Master Sheng Yen proposed the concept of "Spiritual Environmental Protection" for the first time and emphasized its importance. At the Summit, Master Sheng Yen said: "Material poverty poses a threat to people's lives. Spiritual and inner poverty causes conflict and unhappiness." These are the very causes of social unrest and suicidal tendencies we see today.
To actively reach out to groups most vulnerable to suicidal tendencies and make them aware of the value and beauty of life, the Foundation frequently hosts related seminars, symposiums and lectures to turn those thinking about suicide away from the edge. At the same time, these events encourage the general public to treasure life and believe that where there's life there's hope in order to reduce or prevent further tragedies.
September 10 has now been designated as World Suicide Prevention Day. In accordance with Master Sheng Yen's wishes, the Foundation actively supports and takes part in the WPSD every year. The Foundation even hosted the Caring for Life Awards in Taiwan for the first time in 2007 to encourage those local people who actively involved in suicide prevention and life education. The awards reieved a strong response from the general community.
To do our part as a member of the international community, this year (2008) the Foundation is expanding the Caring for Life Awards to the international stage. By hosting these awards, the Foundation hopes that we can reach out to the international community to share experiences, information and techniques so we can all work together for suicide prevention.
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