SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - September is National Suicide Prevention Month - a campaign designed to shed light on a crisis affecting millions of people every year.

Even though suicide prevention is highlighted this month, law enforcement agencies in Chatham County work year-round helping those in need.

In 2024, the Chatham County Police Department responded to more than 200 calls involving a person who was suicidal. Officers say that number is just a small fraction of a much bigger issue.

According to the CDC, nearly 50,000 died by suicide in 2023. That’s 1 death every 11 minutes. Sadly, the amount of people who have considered suicide adds up to over 12 million.

Sgt. Hiram Rivera, who leads the Chatham County Police Department’s Behavior Health Unit (BHU), says they step in whenever they r

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