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With the release of the August jobs report showing unemployment at its highest levels since last September, the Great Recession seems nowhere near its peak. The effects of the poor economy on the general health and well being of Americans is often overlooked. A new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the rate of home foreclosures is directly correlated with an increase in hospitalizations, ER visits, and worst of all, suicide. In fact, for every 100 new foreclosures, there is a corresponding 39% increase in suicide related hospital trips. This week is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, and to commemorate it, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is drawing attention to communities vulnerable to suicide. In addition to those struggling in today’s economy, members of the U.S. military and of the LGBT community suffer among the highest suicide rates in the nation.

GUEST: Dr. Ann Haas, Director of Suicide Prevention Projects at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Find out more at www.afsp.org.