As someone deeply touched by the painful reality of suicide, by a loved one and friends I am stepping forward to petition for more comprehensive suicide prevention measures and resources. The personal devastation suicide brings to families accentuates the need for collective action and heightened public awareness.

Research reports by the World Health Organization highlight that close to 800,000 individuals die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. In addition, there are many more people who attempt suicide, and suicide accounted for 1.4% of all deaths worldwide, making it the 18th leading cause of death in 2016. This reality demonstrates the urgency and scale of suicide as a global public health issue.

It is incumbent upon us all to recognize the signs of someone at risk and ensure they receive the appropriate help. Steps to increase awareness, resources, and lifelines can potentially save someone from becoming another statistic in these sobering reports.

With this petition, it is our aim to push for more funding and support for existing suicide prevention initiatives, and the establishment of new ones. A better-equipped public, heightened awareness and well-resourced support initiatives is the course of action that needs our urgent attention.

It's a call to all to endorse this petition, as everyone’s participation matters. Together, we could be the difference, we could create an environment that does not just react to suicide but actively helps prevent it. Join me in championing this cause — sign this petition now.