Dealing with Surge in Suicides

From: Evansville Mayors Office Dealing with the Surge in Suicides (EVANSVILLE, IN) – Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, Vanderburgh County Chief Deputy Coroner, Annie Groves, and representatives from Deaconess Cross Pointe, St. Mary’s Medical Center, the Southwestern Indiana Mental Health Coalition, the Youth Service Bureau, and local universities today are discussing the surge in suicides in Vanderburgh County. Since January 1, 2007, there have been 29 suicides in Vanderburgh County. The average number of suicides in one year in the County is about 25-30. “I feel it is very important to bring attention to this alarming increase in suicide so we can try to prevent any more people in our community from taking their own lives,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “I urge anyone who is concerned about a loved one, or who has lost someone to suicide, to take part in the activities scheduled this week.” To prevent suicides and help loved ones deal with the loss, several events are being held in the community the week of September 24th: 7th Annual Mental Health Symposium How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies Thursday, September 27, St. Mary’s Medical Center Amphitheater 7:00pm, No Charge Surviving Loss Symposium Friday, September 28, St. Mary’s Medical Center Amphitheater 8:00am until 3:30pm Cost is $55 for single registration, $10 for students Contact for both events is: Mental Health America, (812) 426-2640 LifeSavers Walk Saturday, September 29, Garvin Park