The first week in September is Suicide Prevention Week.
Suicide is real. It can happen in your family. The Washington County Suicide Prevention Coalition would like you to know the warning signs: withdrawal, aggression, giving belongings away, wanting to die feelings of hopelessness, increase drug and alcohol use, mood swings, burden to others, behaving recklessly.
What to do: talk openly, do not be surprised, do not promise secrecy,listen, allow expression of feelings,be non-judgmental,get involved, take action,remove pills, guns. Get Help from crisis intervention center
Where to go: National Hot Line 1-(800)273-TALK (8255), Local L & P Services (740) 376-0930, Washington County Hotline (740)373-8240, emergency room.
The Washington County Suicide Prevention Coalition meets the third Thursday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church,corner of 4th and Scammel Street from 4 to 5 p.m. for anyone who would like to get involved. For more information call the Washington County Mental Health Dept. at (740)374-6990
The Mid Ohio Valley Suicide Support Group meets the first Tuesday of every month at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 320 Second Street from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for those who have lost a loved one or family member to suicide. For more information contact LeeAnn Price at 984-2881.
LeeAnn Price
Washington County Suicide Prevention Coalition President
Beverly
