Dear Editor: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2017, more people in the U.S. died by suicide than in any previous year.Suicide was the second-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds and 35- to 44-year-olds in California.This is particularly troubling along the Wild Rivers Coast, where there aren’t adequate behavioral-health professionals.#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');We can wait around for the powers-to-be to find the funding to make the necessary changes, or we can step up as individual citizens to do something about it.On Sept. 7, The Triplicate newspaper included a 16-page, four-color insert titled “Suicide Awareness and Prevention: Finding Hope,” that is filled with information, warning signs, and what to do when you notice a change in a friend, neighbor, colleague or family member, no matter how small.It encourages you to trust the signs, trust your gut and ask, “R U OK?” Let them know that it’s okay to say, “I’m not OK.”If that doesn’t work, and you’re having difficulty knowing what to say, check out the list at https://bit.ly/2SOU1la.There are 42 locations in Crescent City and Smith River that have counter displays holding R U OK? wallet cards. Stop in, thank the proprietor and pick up a few cards, so that when you see a friend exhibiting a warning sign, you can hand them a card to let them know you’re available to listen.We all have a role to play in suicide prevention. I hope people will get a copy of that newspaper at The Triplicate office, 312 H St., read the insert, learn the warning signs, and learn what to do and not do.Then, commit to break the silence by talking about your experience, freely. Let’s work together as a village to save lives. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });