The public is invited to a Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk tomorrow (September 18) at the track in Callaway from 5PM to 6PM, hosted by the Callaway District Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions.
Senior Life Solutions Program Director Kelly Herbig said the event is one of the main endeavors of the group this year, all in the name of awareness during suicide prevention/awareness month.
“And we remind people too, you don’t have to walk. You know, you can come out and get a hot dog and a snack and visit with everybody and sign in and see our booth. But don’t feel like you have to walk,” said Herbig.
Visitors will be able to enjoy free hot dogs, chips, and bottled water thanks to the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Coalition in addition to learning more about suicide and action steps to prevent it at an information booth that will be made available. A balloon release in memory of those who have died by suicide will take place at 5:50 PM.
Herbig told KCNI/KBBN that the numbers surrounding suicide in the United States are staggering. In 2022, suicide was a leading cause of death in the country with 49,476 deaths, roughly 135 a day. The year prior, 1.7 million people attempted suicide in the United States. The impact is local too. The Rural Health Information Hub states that the suicide rate is nearly twice as great in the most rural areas of the U.S. compared to the most urban areas.
“Most people want help, and they want to be asked. They might not always do it outwardly, but deep down they are wanting someone to ask and be concerned,” Herbig said.
In addition to providing and spreading information with the goal of ending the stigma, Herbig and others are providing the public with the tools they need to help those who are struggling. In addition to reminding to dial 911 for emergencies and dialing or texing 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline, #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for this month and beyond.
#BeThe1To action steps
1. (Be the one to ask) Asking “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgemental and supportive way.
2. (Be the one to be there) Could mean physically being present, talking on the phone, video chatting, or any other means of showing support. Do not commit to things you are not willing or able to accomplish in providing support.
3. (Be the one to keep them safe) Establish immediate safety. Ask questions like “Have you tried to do anything to harm yourself?”, or “Do you have a specific, detailed plan?”. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you determine the level of danger.
4. (Be the one to connect) Connect them with the new 988 Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line’s number, 741741. Help them explore their options. Is there a professional they’ve seen in the past they can see again? Do they have a safety plan in place?
5. (Be the one to follow up!) After connecting them to immediate support they need, follow up and see how they are doing! This allows them to ask for more help if they need it, and for you to do anything you said you would but haven’t gotten the chance to yet.
You can listen to Brent Apperson’s full interview with Kelli Herbig here:
