Netherlands launches experiment to prevent suicides

An experiment on preventing suicides was launched in seven regions in the Netherlands on Wednesday. The regions involved all joined the Suicide Prevention Action Network, an initiative of suicide prevention institute 113Online, NOS reports.

The participating regions are Zuid-Oost Brabant, Zaanstreek-Waterland, Zeeland, Friesland, Groningen,Haarlem-Kennemerland and The Hague. All participating municipalities, provinces and region have relatively many suicides.

According to NOS, the approach will be adapted to address the specific problems per region. Medical aid givers like doctors, therapists, nurses and administrators will get together on a regular basis to learn from each other and optimize the approach per region.

The experiment also includes a publicity campaign aimed not only on those who plan to commit suicide, but also their family, friends and colleagues. It includes signs to look out for and information on where to find help.

In July Statistics Netherlands announced that the number of suicides in the country was at an all time high last year, with 1,871 people that committed suicide.