Symptoms of suicide include sad or irritable mood, impulsivity, binge drinking or drugging, talk of death and social isolation. Photo Illustration by Chirsty Bullins

by NASH DUNN
News Reporter
by LAUREN BRIGMAN
Intern News Reporter

Due to state reductions in funding at Appalachian State University, students may pay an increased health service fee in 2010-11.

The Tuition and Fee Committees heard proposals Tuesday regarding a $20 increase for student’s health service fee at a tuition and fee forum at the Linville Falls Room in Plemmons Student Union. 

This increase will “affect the health fee by approximately $150,000, including salary and benefits” for two counseling positions that were re-appropriated by the university,” Financial Manager Bob K. Feid said.

“We had three positions that had to be funded that were terminated by the state budget cuts,” Feid said. “We still feel we need to provide that level of counseling for students this year. We have a substantial wait for students at Counseling and Psychological Services and we have state cuts in [this area].”

The counseling position cuts come as Watauga County’s suicide rate hovers around 30 percent higher than the state average, according to the North Carolina Center for Health Statistics (SHCS).

From 2003-07, Watauga County’s age-adjusted suicide rate was 15.6 deaths per 100,000 while the state average was 11.7.

Although the last SHCS age-adjusted rates were last compiled in 2007, there were eight Watauga County suicides in 2008, which is “about the same” as the last five years, Watauga County Healthy Carolinians Task Force Manager Bryan Belcher said.

The rates represent what would be expected if the age composition of the state and each county’s population were the same as that projected for the nation in the year 2000, according to SHCS.org.

Surrounding counties are also experiencing high rates, with Ashe and Wilkes posting numbers 54 percent and 47 percent higher than the 2003-07 age-adjusted state rates respectively.  

“Something’s going on in our county that’s not happening in other areas across the state,” Belcher said. “It’s definitely something that needs to be addressed.” 

Unemployment, the struggling economy and a lack of motivation to receive treatment are all possible reasons for elevated rates, and the Task Force is organizing a Suicide Prevention Committee to combat the problem, Belcher said.

“Its such a complicated process to find reasons why [suicide rates] are so bad,” Belcher said. “We need to do a better job of educating the community about this issue.”

The Counseling and Psychological Services Center held a suicide prevention program Tuesday in Plemmons Student Union named “Ask a Question, Save a Life.”

“We’d like all students, faculty and staff to participate as a way to raise awareness about depression and suicide and also encourage us all to work together as a network in providing support, help and assistance to those who are struggling with depression or suicide,” Psychologist Denise Lovins said. 

On Saturday, the center will provide a program for survivors of suicide loss at the Table Rock Room in Plemmons Student Union from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“Healing After Suicide Loss” is part of National Survivors of Suicide Day and will present a 90-minute video where a panel of survivors and health professionals will address questions survivors face.

Photo Illustration by Chirsty Bullins  |  The Appalachian

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