Gov. Ducey addresses suicide support during briefing
Arizona governor discusses depression and mental health issues amid the pandemic
PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Governor Doug Ducey warned Thursday that children and teens are at risk of suicide as depression increases during the coronavirus pandemic.
Counseling resources are available to help struggling children, even as schools hold classes online, Gov. Doug Ducey said at a high school in Chandler.
“I would like to ask all our parents, especially if your kids are still at home, to engage in that conversation and check how your child is doing,” Ducey said. “We have resources.”
The health and economic crises also take a toll on adults, including veterans, officials said, urging people to stay connected with friends and loved ones even as they maintain physical distance to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
State health officials on Thursday reported 461 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 along with 22 more deaths.
A national virus hotspot in June and July, Arizona has shown significant decreases in cases and other virus-related metrics. The number of patients hospitalized also declined slightly in the new data.
Arizona has now seen a total of 207,002 positive cases of COVID-19 and has a death toll of 5,273 people.
“The state has not been in a better position than it is today,” Ducey said, encouraging people to keep wearing masks, washing their hands and maintaining physical distance. He also urged people to get a flu shot to limit demand on the health care system already trying to manage COVID-19.
