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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

NH Senior Advocates Back Suicide Prevention

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Monday, August 27, 2007   

A bill meant to reduce suicide among seniors faces an uncertain fate in Congress. Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced the "Stop Senior Suicide Act" in June, but it has attracted few co-sponsors in the Senate, including none from New Hampshire. Dr. Betty Welsh of the geriatrics program at Elliot Hospital in Manchester is disappointed with the lack of support. She says the act would go a long way to focus attention on the suicide crisis for seniors, who are among the most likely people to attempt suicide.

"First and foremost, we want to bring awareness out for everybody, including the seniors themselves. Second, is training of what we call gatekeepers, so they could reach out and let somebody know how to get help or where to access help."

Welsh explains that awareness can lead to effective treatment. The many forms of therapy available can help more than 90 percent of elderly sufferers overcome depression. The Act would boost mental health services for seniors, as well as funding senior suicide prevention and intervention efforts.

"It doesn't really matter whether you have one day more to live or you have 100 years more to live. Every day is valuable to every human being and we need to do everything we can to make sure that every day is of high quality."

Welsh believes the bill would help increase the quality of life for many seniors.




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