Franklin County Commissioners Proclaim September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
The Franklin County Commissioners recently declared September 2019 Suicide Prevention Month in Franklin County.
The Franklin County Commissioners recently declared September 2019 Suicide Prevention Month in Franklin County.
“Suicide is on the rise; it is a concern at any age and sometimes those struggling in nursing homes are overlooked,” said Stacey Brookens, Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention Administrator for Franklin County. “Suicide prevention month is a way that we can come together as a county for individuals who need help,” she added.
Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age. Carrie Clippinger from the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties presented local statistics which showed that last year, 20 people in Franklin County died by suicide ranging in age from 16 years to 79 years old.
Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller reminded the group about the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) method for addressing suicide. The three steps encourage a person to directly ask the question, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
“People think that if they bring up the topic or talk about suicide, it will put the idea into someone’s head, but studies show it doesn’t encourage suicide. Instead, it helps the person,” said Assistant County Administrator Steve Nevada.
Photo: Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller presents a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Proclamation to Carrie Clippenger of the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties.
“Not everyone is comfortable discussing suicide or directly asking the question,” said Cori Seilhamer, Mental Health Program Specialist. She continued, “If you aren’t comfortable, find someone who is and who can ask the question.”
For more resources on suicide prevention, contact the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties at 717-264-4301.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you or someone you know is in crisis or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call Keystone Health Crisis Intervention Hotline at (717) 264-2555 or (866) 918-2555, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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