We Can All Prevent Suicide
The mission of the West Orange Suicide Advocacy Coalition (WOSAC) is to gather and streamline public education, supportive services, training, and intervention resources related to suicides in the Township of West Orange.
CANDICE WILLIAMS
Suicide Affects The Whole Family.
As shared by Tammy Williams, Founder of WOSAC Foundation
My 18 year old sister died by suicide as a Freshman at UNC-Charlotte in 1995.
My younger sister was a vibrant light in this world — smart, outgoing, energetic, and full of love. She was Miss Carver High School, Co-Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad, Senior Class Secretary, a proud member of the Spanish Club, and active in our home church through the Youth and Young Adult Choir and Usher Board.
She carried herself with purpose and promise. The world was truly hers to conquer.
But in a moment of unimaginable pain — during the same week we were still learning to live with the loss of our mother just five years earlier — my sister died by suicide while attending UNC-Charlotte in 1995.
Her passing is a reminder that even the brightest souls can carry silent burdens. It’s why I continue this work — to ensure that no one suffers in silence, and that every life has the support and hope it deserves.
NATIONAL STATISTICS
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Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages (Centers for Disease Control, 2023).
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Every day, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide (Centers for Disease Control, 2023.
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There is one death by suicide in the US every 12 minutes (Centers for Disease Control, 2023).
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Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ in a given year (Centers for Disease Control, 2023).
THE W’S OF LIFE
WHO you are what makes you speocial. Do not change for anyone.
WHAT lies ahead will always be a mystery. Do not be afraid.
WHEN life pushes you over, You push back harder.
WHERE there are choices to make, make choices you won’t regret.
WHY things happen will never be certain. Accept what you can not understand and move forward.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8522
OUR APPROACH
In taking a public health approach, we recognize that various structures as well as a lack of access to these structures, influence our health and well-being including:
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Schools and employment
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Families
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Interpersonal relationships
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How the three branches of government, legislative (laws), executive (police and corrections) and judicial (court imposed sanctions) impact each of us differently
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Spirituality and faith based institutions
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Recreational opportunities
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Internal conflicts between township cultures, race, ethnic and religious cultures
Additionally, research evidence finds that several bio-social health factors may also increase risk of self-inflicted harm and early life termination:
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Physical health
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Low serotonin
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Mental health
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Depression elevates suicide risk, but researchers argue that it is not the cause
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Self-efficacy- control over one’s life
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Self-esteem- perception of one’s self
