Recognizing that suicide occurs most often in the elderly, especially the rural elderly, the Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens has released a new publication and resource guide.

"Preventing Elder Suicide: Recognizing the Signs" is a resource manual, primarily for physicians and other health care professionals working in Pinal and Gila counties. It includes screening guides, resources and information to guide those in the health care professions.

The council will distribute the manual to physicians and health care providers. It also will be available upon request for other individuals.

The council's education specialist, Helen Denton, also will provide free training to physicians and health care providers to help them recognize the signs of elderly depression, which left untreated can lead to suicide.

The Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens is the Area Agency on Aging Region V, serving Pinal and Gila Counties. The publication was funded by a grant from the Pinal-Gila Behavioral Health Association and the Arizona Department of Health Services.

For more information or to request training, call the Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens at 836-2758 or 1-800-293-9393.