Commissioners recognize Highland County Suicide Prevention Month
Pictured (l-r) are Highland County commissioners David Daniels and Brad Roades; Highland County Suicide Prevention Coalition members Cathy Faulconer, Kelly Dennis and Melinda Sheets; and commissioner Terry Britton. (HCP Photo/Caitlin Forsha)
Highland County commissioners Brad Roades, Terry Britton and David Daniels proclaimed January as Highland County Suicide Prevention Month during their Wednesday, Jan. 15 meeting.
Accepting the proclamation were members of the Highland County Suicide Prevention Coalition, including Cathy Faulconer of Highland District Hospital and Kelly Dennis and Melinda Sheets, both of Paint Valley ADAMH.
As explained by Faulconer, the coalition, which was founded in 2020, includes representatives from “multiple sectors within the county, including health care, behavioral health, veterans administration, public health, addiction services, health care advocacy and Community Action.
“The mission of the coalition is to decrease suicide deaths and attempts within Highland County through advocacy, education and awareness,” Faulconer said. “The coalition has standing meetings the second Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. at Highland District Hospital in the cafe.
“We are looking to add new members. If anyone is interested, they can contact myself or a member of the ADAMH board.”
As noted on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HighlandCoSPC), the group’s goal is to “raise awareness, provide resources and break the stigma around mental health in Highland County. Together, we can save lives and build a more compassionate community.”
Faulconer added that anyone needing help should utilize the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is just a three-digit number, much like 911. According to 988lifeline.org, by dialing 9-8-8, you can receive access to “24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.”
You can either speak to someone on the phone or via text chat by dialing 9-8-8, or you can also chat online by visiting https://chat.988lifeline.org. There are also specific resources available for veterans and/or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“The coalition would like to send the message to all Highland County citizens that you are not alone,” Faulconer said. “Help is available. For anyone considering suicide, please call the 988 Lifeline. The call is free.
“When you call, text or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides judgment-free care, and talking to someone can save your life.”
After meeting with the representatives, Roades read the proclamation recognizing January as Highland County Suicide Prevention Month and “urging all citizens to join in this special observance.”
For more information or to contact an ADAMH representative, visit https://pvadamh.org.
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