Your front-page article on Jan. 5 about 2012 homicide and suicide rates in Beaufort County was well written and sadly factual.

I would like to add another important message about suicide prevention, noting that the suicide rate has also become greater than the homicide rate statewide. I urge anyone who is contemplating suicide to seek help immediately. There are always trained professionals only a phone call away. The suicide hotline phone number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This number has saved countless lives. Suicide can be prevented.

Vanessa Riley

Hilton Head Island

Editor's note: The writer is chairman of the board of the South Carolina chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.