Addressing the Silent Crisis: How The Harris Center is on the Front Line of Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a profound global issue that touches lives across the world, impacting individuals, families, and entire communities. According to the World Health Organization, over 720,000 people die by suicide around the world each year, making it the third leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. Despite its severity, discussions about suicide remain heavily stigmatized, often shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. This lack of open conversation can prevent those in need from seeking the help they require. On World Suicide Prevention Day, the importance of breaking this silence and addressing suicide with compassion and education becomes especially clear and, ultimately, could save lives.
In Harris County, The Harris Center for Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) plays a crucial role in providing support to individuals experiencing suicidal ideation. As the largest provider of community-based behavioral health and IDD services in Texas, The Harris Center offers a range of resources aimed at preventing suicide and supporting mental health.
Tiffany Bittner, MSN, RN, CPHQ, NE-BC, PMH-BC, Director of Clinical Transformation & Innovation and Director of Suicide Care Initiatives/Zero Suicide Task Force at The Harris Center, underscores the importance of accessible mental health care. “Suicide is a serious issue that affects many people, yet it remains a topic that is often avoided in conversation,” Bittner says. “Our mission is to ensure that no one in Harris County has to face these struggles alone, regardless of their financial situation.”
Over the past year, The Harris Center has seen over 4,000 new clients in their mental health clinics who screened positive for suicidal ideation. This statistic highlights the ongoing need for accessible mental health services and the effectiveness of The Harris Center’s outreach. Despite a 37% increase in suicide rates from 2000 to 2018 and a 5% increase from 2018 to 2020, local rates remain lower than the national average, signaling progress yet underscoring the need for continued effort.
For over 50 years, The Harris Center provides comprehensive support, including crisis intervention and mental health services, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. “We believe that access to mental health care should not be determined by one’s financial status,” Bittner explains. “Whether someone has health insurance or not, our doors are open. We want to make sure that anyone who needs help can get it without worrying about the cost.”
With over 16 years as a registered nurse, Bittner's career began at Ben Taub Emergency Center, where she cared for critically ill patients in high-pressure situations. Her extensive background includes leadership roles at Harris Health System, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Texas Children’s Hospital, where she managed pediatric psychiatry and developed suicide care processes. Holding advanced certifications in healthcare quality and psychiatric mental health, Bittner's credentials are complemented by her service on the Texas Chapter Board of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Tiffany Bittner MSN, RN, CPHQ, NE-BC, PMH-BC (Source: Tiffany Bittner)Bittner’s personal connection to this issue is profound. “I’ve experienced the impact of suicide personally and know the challenges of navigating mental health care,” she shares. “My goal is to remove barriers to care and ensure that everyone knows they are not alone in their journey toward recovery.”
According to Bittner, suicidal ideation encompasses a range of thoughts about or plans to end one’s life. It varies in intensity from fleeting thoughts to detailed plans, and can be assessed through thorough screening. These thoughts can emerge from significant personal stressors, such as financial difficulties, relationship issues, legal problems, or untreated mental illnesses. Additionally, societal stressors, including exposure to violence, discrimination, traumatic events, and pervasive issues like racism, can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and lead to suicidal thoughts.
Understanding these diverse triggers is crucial for providing effective support and intervention. “Identifying and responding to suicidal ideation is critical,” Bittner notes. “Common signs include talking about being a burden, withdrawing from loved ones, extreme mood swings, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns. It’s essential for friends and family to approach these signs with compassion and understanding.”
For those in crisis, The Harris Center offers immediate intervention. Residents can call 713-970-7000 for appointments or crisis assistance, available 24/7. Additionally, The Harris Center operates the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline (988) for this region, ensuring local trained personnel are available to support those in need.
The Harris Center employs a framework called L.I.V.E. to recover, which stands for Listen, Intervene, Validate, and Encourage. This approach is designed to guide loved ones in supporting someone who may be struggling. “Listening without judgment, intervening when someone is at risk, validating their courage to reach out, and encouraging them to seek help are all key steps in providing effective support,” Bittner says.
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L.I.V.E. to Recover Listen – Listen to understand, not to respond. Be non-judgmental and open to what the individual is saying. Remember, you don’t have to fix everything, sometimes others need us to just listen and support them in getting the help they need. Intervene – If you know of someone who is not safe and at risk of harm to themselves, help them get to the help they need. Do not leave them alone, assist them to the nearest emergency room or in calling 988 or another crisis line, offer to be part of their recovery journey if you are comfortable doing so. Validate – Remember that it takes a significant amount of courage to speak up and ask for help. Thank people for trusting you enough to share their thoughts with you and for being brave and reaching out. Let people know they are not alone, thoughts of suicide are not as uncommon as most think. Encourage – Encourage them to get help. Let them know that their life matters and there is help out there to get them on the path to mental wellness. Assure them that they did the right thing by speaking up and being vulnerable so that they could start the healing process. |
The Harris Center also collaborates with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office through the Zero Suicide initiative, aiming to provide best practice suicide care to both staff and individuals served by the organization. “Our partnership with the Sheriff’s Office reflects our commitment to integrating suicide prevention strategies across various sectors,” Bittner explains. “By working together, we can enhance the effectiveness of our suicide care initiatives and extend our reach within the community.”
For those seeking help, The Harris Center offers multiple resources. Residents can reach out via the Harris Center Crisis Line at 713-970-7000, visit their website for information on mental health services, or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance. Additionally, the Neuropsychiatric Center (NPC) provides specialized emergency psychiatric services.
Resources for Help
- Call 988: National Suicide and Crisis Hotline, available 24/7
- Call 713-970-7000: Harris Center Crisis Line, for immediate assistance in Harris County
- The Harris Center Website: www.theharriscenter.org
- Local Emergency Rooms: Immediate assistance for individuals in crisis
- Neuropsychiatric Center (NPC): Specialized emergency services for psychiatric crises at 1502 Ben Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030
As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, it is vital to remember that understanding and addressing suicide openly can save lives. By breaking the stigma and promoting compassionate care, we can work towards a future where mental health is prioritized and support is readily available for those who need it most.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
