Suicide prevention events help raise awareness
STURGIS — Saturday was World Suicide Prevention Day and September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
As of 2019, Michigan had a suicide rate of 14.7 deaths per every 100,000 people — slightly higher than the 14.5 national rate — according to the most recent data from America's Health Rankings.
W.A.S.P.
The inaugural WASP (Walking Along Suicide Prevention) event consisted of a 5K walk and other activities. Together, about 160 people raised more than $18,000 for suicide prevention.
Ramon Lugo presented the event, with help from St. Joseph County United Way. Funds raised will go to the Suicide Prevention Network of St. Joseph County.
Prior to the start of the walk, Lugo shared some words with the crowd that had gathered. He thanked them for their participation.
“I look out here and I’m overwhelmed with just how the community has stepped up,” he said. “All of you are here for one cause.”
Lugo, founder of W.A.S.P., said in 2008 he lost a cousin to suicide. In 2019, he lost a friend who was like a brother to suicide.
“That pain never goes away,” Lugo said. “And though we can’t change what happened, we can change from here on out what gets done.”
Lugo went on to say that with the event he hopes to raise awareness about suicide prevention, plus provide resources for those struggling.
“I want to show people that it’s OK not to be OK,” he said. “But one of the biggest things that I want to show people is that you can’t stay in that position for too long. It is not OK to not get help.”
Several resources were present at the event.
“If you are here today and you feel like you don’t belong, I just want to tell you one thing, that you do belong,” Lugo said. “You belong here and you matter. We are not going to be better without you. Your pain doesn’t end with you. It just gets transferred to those who love you and care about you. That is one of my biggest things that I want to say today. So please, if you are suffering with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, I’ll walk with you to these resources that we have here.”
Kelly Hostetler, executive director of St. Joseph County United Way, also spoke to the crowd. She told of a teenage suicide epidemic in the county in 2018. She spoke of taking on the challenge to make a difference after attending the funeral of an 18-year-old.
She teamed with Kevin Kane, juvenile director of probate court. He sent out a callout to anyone interested in helping the cause and 100 people showed up at that first meeting, Hostetler said.
Kane now serves as chairperson of the Suicide Prevention Network of St. Joseph County that was formed. He also spoke Saturday and encouraged event-goers to impact others.
“All you have to do is say something simple to somebody and it changes their life,” he said.
Kane said four years into the network, he now is dealing with issues in his own family.
“The support needs to be there for them,” he said. “So be there and be strong and talk about it. They need to hear it. Be supportive. Be helpful. It’s what we need to do as a community.”
Kane said the age group most suffering now is those ages 50-59.
“I appreciate Ramon and everything he is doing,” Kane said. “This community is a great community. Sturgis has always been a great support for us.”
Lugo then explained the honor beads. The different colors represent someone lost to suicide, for example, a child or a spouse, etc. The crowd raised their beads.
In closing, Lugo thanked the event’s many sponsors. The event also featured bouncy houses, food and a DJ.
Veteran suicide awareness
Sturgis American Legion Post 73 hosted Joint Operation Mariposa Sunday. It was the operation’s only Michigan stop on a journey from Washington to Washington, D.C. to escort a painting to show support for “Green Star Families” who have lost veterans to suicide.
Families were invited to sign the name of the veteran and their names on the back of the painting. Sturgis American Legion officials reported that about a dozen folks welcomed the operation and its painting, including members of a local family who had lost a veteran to suicide.
David Williams created the painting and is founder of Joint Operation Mariposa. He and Heather Allen, vice-president of JOM, brought the painting to the American Legion Sunday on their trip across the U.S.
“We would like these families to know they aren’t alone and they are loved,” Williams said. “Their stories are our stories and we will carry them and tell them.”
Williams said there are an estimated 20-22 veteran suicides committed every day. During the 20 months it took to complete the display (the painting is a part of a bigger piece), between 12,760-14,036 veterans had died by suicide, he said.
Free suicide prevention training available
While the pandemic has led to increased awareness that many Americans are dealing with mental health challenges, not everyone is comfortable asking for the professional help that is available.
That’s why Parkview LaGrange Hospital continues to offer free suicide prevention training to the community through year-end.
When someone is in crisis, it may be the people around them every day who have the best chance of noticing unusual changes in behavior or mood that may signal something is amiss — and acting quickly to prevent tragedy. Knowing what to do if you suspect a friend, loved one, co-worker or neighbor is considering suicide can empower you to help them get the support they need.
Trainers from the hospital teach QPR, which stands for question, persuade and refer. The goal of QPR classes is to save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. Just as CPR training equips the learner to provide an emergency response to someone experiencing a physical health crisis, QPR equips them to act in a mental health crisis.
Anyone 18 and older can learn QPR in a couple hours and become prepared to recognize the signs of someone at risk of suicide, offer hope and connect that person to expert, compassionate care.
Classes will be 2:30-4:30 p.m.:
Tuesday, Sept. 20 (virtual class via Microsoft Teams app)
Tuesday, Oct. 18 (in-person class at PLH)
Tuesday, Nov. 15 (virtual class via Microsoft Teams app)
Tuesday, Dec. 20 (in-person class at PLH)
To participate in a virtual class, individuals will need to have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with the free app Microsoft Teams. Due to the nature of the subject matter and the types of discussions that arise in the training, all participants must be able to use a video connection that enables them to see and hear each other, and the Microsoft Teams app works well for that purpose.
Registration is required at least three days prior to the preferred training date, and capacity is limited. To register, visit parkview.com/preventsuicide. For additional information, or to inquire about training for small groups, call 260-463-9270.
The Parkview LaGrange Hospital campus is located on Townline Road, just north of U.S. 20 in LaGrange, Indiana. Per Parkview Health policy, masks should be worn when visiting the hospital.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Do you know about steps anyone can take to connect with a mental health professional if experiencing a serious mental health crisis?
Call the Parkview Behavioral Health HelpLine at 260-471-9440 or 800-284-8439 anytime 24/7
Dial 9-8-8, the new national suicide and crisis hotline
Text “IN” to 741741
Call 2-1-1, option 3, to speak with a crisis specialist 24/7
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: news-suicide prevention awareness-W.A.S.P.-Joint Operation Mariposa
