Ulsan's Dong-gu expands 'Life-Respecting Safe Village' suicide prevention network

The Ulsan Dong-gu Mental Health and Welfare Center has designated Nammok 3-dong as a "Life-Respecting Safe Village," following the earlier designations of Hwajeong-dong and Bangeo-dong, as part of an effort to build a suicide prevention safety net across nine neighborhoods in Dong-gu. The center will collaborate with nine local institutions and businesses in the area.

The "Life-Respecting Safe Village" program brings together organizations from healthcare, education, welfare, public institutions and the broader community to build a tightly woven suicide prevention network at the neighborhood level.

Under the designation, the center will carry out suicide prevention activities in Nammok 3-dong in partnership with a local Dong-gu lawmaker's office, Sindaeheung Pharmacy, Cheongsol Pharmacy, Hyundai Industrial High School, Nammok Senior Welfare Center, Nammok 3-dong Administrative Welfare Center, GS25 Ulsan Solbat Beach, Seoksan Supermarket and Moa Mart.

Participating organizations will identify residents experiencing emotional distress and refer them to the center, while also running suicide prevention campaigns and distributing informational materials.

"Through the Safe Village activities, we will build a community where all residents look out for one another and respect life," a center official said.

Residents in emotional distress can reach a counselor through the suicide prevention hotline at 109, the Ulsan Dong-gu Mental Health and Welfare Center, or the suicide prevention social media counseling service "Madeulaen."

If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare's helpline 1393, available 24/7. Please request a translator for English-language services.