A tailored support service for families who have lost loved ones to suicide will be expanded nationwide starting in July. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Hope Foundation for Life announced that the 'One-Stop Service for Suicide Survivors' will be implemented in all 17 cities and provinces, up from the previous 12, beginning July 1.
This expansion will allow survivors in regions such as Busan, Ulsan, Gyeonggi, Jeonbuk, and Jeonnam, where the service was previously unavailable, to benefit from a comprehensive support network.
According to a study conducted by Samsung Medical Center, suicide survivors are at a significantly higher risk of suicide, with a likelihood 22.5 times greater than the general population. Many face complex legal and financial challenges, such as inheritance issues, debts, and educational expenses, immediately following the tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for prompt intervention and systematic welfare support.
The 'One-Stop Service,' introduced in 2019, features a dedicated team from suicide prevention centers that can respond within 24 hours of a suicide incident, providing on-site support at locations like funeral homes or police stations. This team offers comfort to survivors and guides them through necessary services to facilitate initial responses.
The services provided are extensive, including psychological counseling, emotional support, and practical assistance. This encompasses legal and administrative processing costs, temporary housing, educational expenses, and even special cleaning costs in the event of a death at home, while actively connecting survivors with community welfare resources.
The One-Stop Service has shown significant positive effects on the psychological stability of survivors. A report from a three-year pilot program indicated that the proportion of survivors exhibiting severe depressive symptoms dropped from 27.8% immediately after the incident to 6.5% three months later. Additionally, the percentage of those contemplating suicide decreased from 11.2% to 6.4%, and those with specific suicide plans fell from 3.2% to 2.1%. Last year, 2,834 survivors registered for the One-Stop Service across the 12 initial cities and provinces, receiving substantial support.
In preparation for the nationwide rollout, the Ministry and the Foundation are conducting outreach sessions in the five new regions (Busan, Ulsan, Gyeonggi, Jeonbuk, and Jeonnam) to enhance local response capabilities through hands-on training and discussions.
The scope of support is also continuously expanding. Recently, in collaboration with the Korea Insurance Adjusters Association, a dedicated insurance claims consultation service for suicide survivors has been established, with plans to cover related costs. Furthermore, the Ministry is working with the Korea Association of Suicide Survivors to train 'peer supporters' who can assist other survivors in their recovery.
Lee Sun-young, Director of Mental Health Policy at the Ministry, stated, "Survivors of suicide have suffered the irreplaceable loss of a loved one, so it is crucial that we support each individual until they can regain their daily lives. With the nationwide expansion of the One-Stop Service, we will strive to ensure comprehensive support for survivors everywhere in the country."
This expansion will allow survivors in regions such as Busan, Ulsan, Gyeonggi, Jeonbuk, and Jeonnam, where the service was previously unavailable, to benefit from a comprehensive support network.
According to a study conducted by Samsung Medical Center, suicide survivors are at a significantly higher risk of suicide, with a likelihood 22.5 times greater than the general population. Many face complex legal and financial challenges, such as inheritance issues, debts, and educational expenses, immediately following the tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for prompt intervention and systematic welfare support.
The 'One-Stop Service,' introduced in 2019, features a dedicated team from suicide prevention centers that can respond within 24 hours of a suicide incident, providing on-site support at locations like funeral homes or police stations. This team offers comfort to survivors and guides them through necessary services to facilitate initial responses.
The services provided are extensive, including psychological counseling, emotional support, and practical assistance. This encompasses legal and administrative processing costs, temporary housing, educational expenses, and even special cleaning costs in the event of a death at home, while actively connecting survivors with community welfare resources.
The One-Stop Service has shown significant positive effects on the psychological stability of survivors. A report from a three-year pilot program indicated that the proportion of survivors exhibiting severe depressive symptoms dropped from 27.8% immediately after the incident to 6.5% three months later. Additionally, the percentage of those contemplating suicide decreased from 11.2% to 6.4%, and those with specific suicide plans fell from 3.2% to 2.1%. Last year, 2,834 survivors registered for the One-Stop Service across the 12 initial cities and provinces, receiving substantial support.
In preparation for the nationwide rollout, the Ministry and the Foundation are conducting outreach sessions in the five new regions (Busan, Ulsan, Gyeonggi, Jeonbuk, and Jeonnam) to enhance local response capabilities through hands-on training and discussions.
The scope of support is also continuously expanding. Recently, in collaboration with the Korea Insurance Adjusters Association, a dedicated insurance claims consultation service for suicide survivors has been established, with plans to cover related costs. Furthermore, the Ministry is working with the Korea Association of Suicide Survivors to train 'peer supporters' who can assist other survivors in their recovery.
Lee Sun-young, Director of Mental Health Policy at the Ministry, stated, "Survivors of suicide have suffered the irreplaceable loss of a loved one, so it is crucial that we support each individual until they can regain their daily lives. With the nationwide expansion of the One-Stop Service, we will strive to ensure comprehensive support for survivors everywhere in the country."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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