Annual Limit of 100,000 KRW...
Expansion of Life-Saving Citizen Training Programs
Hongseong County Public Health Center, the first in the nation to operate a reward system for reporting life-saving acts last year.
On May 8, the Hongseong County Public Health Center in South Chungcheong Province announced that it has been operating the "Suicide Risk Reporting Reward System" since last year, making it the first in the nation to introduce such a program.
The eligible subjects for reporting include: ▲ those experiencing severe depression that interferes with daily life activities such as sleeping and eating ▲ individuals with suicidal intent or a history of suicide attempts ▲ those who have experienced suicide incidents involving family members or acquaintances.
If a resident recognizes a suicide crisis situation and reports it to the "Life-Love Team" at the Hongseong County Public Health Center, and the reported individual is registered for the first time at the Hongseong County Mental Health Welfare Center, a reward of 50,000 KRW per report is provided, with an annual limit of 100,000 KRW per person.
However, public officials and employees of institutions involved in suicide prevention projects who are legally required to report suicide risks, as well as the at-risk individuals themselves, are excluded from being eligible for the reward.
The county public health center has achieved positive results since introducing this system in 2024, including the safe rescue of an individual showing signs of suicide (referred to as Mr. A) thanks to the prompt reporting by a life-saving citizen.
This year, the center plans to expand training programs for life-saving citizens to help them recognize and respond to suicide warning signs at an early stage. It will also actively promote the reward system to encourage its use, with the aim of thoroughly protecting the precious lives of residents.
Lee Yongsuk, head of the Health Management Division at the county public health center, stated, "Extending warm interest and a helping hand to neighbors in difficulty is the first step in saving precious lives," and urged, "If you identify someone at risk of suicide, please do not hesitate to report it immediately to the Hongseong County Public Health Center."
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