Suicide epidemic is a public health issue

As Daniel Moynihan said, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts.” Patricia V. Johnson’s recent letter (“Suicide’s not a public health crisis,” June 17), in which she asserts that suicide is not a public health issue, misrepresents reality (that is to say, facts) and therefore, was undeserving of publication.

The underlying reason for Johnson’s “truthiness” becomes apparent only at the end of her letter, where she reveals her antipathy for any and all government programs, including those expressly designed to help people in need.

Following are two facts according to Wikipedia, supported by dozens of other reputable sources. “Public health is ‘the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting human health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations (public and private), communities and individuals.’ It also states, “‘Health’ takes into account physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

So public health is “interdisciplinary. For example, … community health, behavioral health … mental health and occupational safety … are other important subfields.”

Hence, when Johnson claims, “If it’s not a communicable disease, it’s not a public health crisis,” she could not be more mistaken. It would behoove her to do something called “research” before she makes risible assertions in a public forum that are so easily disprovable.

The fact is, the current suicide epidemic among Americans of all ages, income levels, creeds, ethnicities and (yes) political affiliations is one of the most frightening developments. Government intervention is desperately needed to put a stop to it.

S.E. Fisher lives in Santa Fe.