"Suicide has become a severe problem for China's public health," Cao Lianyuan, director of the center, said at the opening ceremony.

According an investigation carried out by Huilongguan Hospital over the past seven years, 287,000 people commit suicide in China every year.

Suicide has become the top killer of Chinese people between the age of 15 to 34 and ranks in the top five among causes of death to the whole population.

"The center is for conducting research on suicide and suicide prevention, providing social services and training professional staff on suicide intervention," said Cao.

Beginning March 1, 2003, trained staff will answer a round-the-clock toll-free 800 number and the consultation service will also be available on the Internet.

The center will also establish a special organization to support the relatives of those who committed suicide. People considering suicide can get professional treatment in a crisis intervention clinic.

As China has unique characteristics regarding suicide -- the suicide rate in the countryside is three times higher than the urban area, and the rate of female suicides is higher than that of males -- "we should treat the problem in our own way," Cao said.

Cao said the center has a goal of reducing China's overall suicide rate by 20 percent in eight years. Achieving that goal will mean the center will save about 50,000 to 60,000 lives every year.

J. M. Bertolote, with the World Health Organization, sent a congratulatory letter.

"The center provides a setting where knowledge and understanding of suicide can be deepened and culturally important appropriate solutions can be found," said the letter. "The Chinese authorities have understood the seriousness of suicide to individuals, families, communities and to society as a whole."

The center has organized an international advisory committee with 35 experts from China and abroad.

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2002)