Return to Press ReleasesSuicide/Overdose Awareness Event to support people affected by suicide or addiction, provide educationLAGRANGE, IND. – Aug. 27, 2024 – On Sept. 19, a community gathering will provide an opportunity for people to find support, honor loved ones and focus on unity in the face of difficult problems.The LaGrange County Mental Health/Substance Use Collaborative will host the second annual Suicide/Overdose Awareness Event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, at Westview Jr-Sr High School, 1635 S. 600 W., in Topeka, Indiana. Like communities across the nation, LaGrange County is wrestling with mental health issues that can lead to substance use and suicide. Local families have lost loved ones, friends and classmates -- losses that leave a permanent mark on individual lives and the entire community. Suicide and substance use have become such persistent problems that they were revealed to be the number one priority in the most recent Community Health Assessment for LaGrange County. Parkview Health conducts a Community Health Assessment periodically to reveal the most pressing health and well-being issues across northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Because human connection is essential in fostering mental health, the Mental Health/Substance Use Collaborative is hosting the event to unite people for healing, equip them with resources, and encourage them to reach out to others who may be contemplating suicide or struggling with addiction. Westview Jr-Sr High – which has experienced the tragedy of suicide in its school community in recent years – is serving as the event venue to promote positive change. No one should feel they have to go it alone; compassionate, nonjudgmental help is available 24/7. Event details Check-in for the Suicide/Overdose Awareness Event begins at 5:30 p.m., along with the resource fair. Announcements and welcome remarks will take place at 6 p.m. with the walk beginning at 6:30. Guests can visit the food trucks, plus a youth games area hosted by the high school. Local organizations will be on hand to provide information and resources. Counselors will also be on site for any guests who need emotional support during the event. These and other organizations will have representatives present: • Alliance of Therapy Dogs • Bowen Health Center • Crushed But Not Broken • Elijah Haven • For Lake's Sake • Jarod's Story/Angel Harp • Northeastern Center • Parkview Behavioral Health Institute's SOS Team • Respect Team Attendees who have lost a loved one and wish to honor their memory, or who want to lift up an individual currently wrestling with addiction or suicidal thoughts, can honor them. The names of those being honored/remembered will be announced as the walkers make their way around the track. Restroom facilities will be available on site, and strollers and service animals are permitted at the track. Each participant who registers by Sept. 5 will receive a free event T-shirt (adult sizes small to 4X) at check-in as well as a special souvenir. The shirt features a graphic designed by Westview junior Kaden Grau with the message “You belong here” and a heart incorporating the turquoise-and-purple suicide awareness ribbon. The Suicide/Overdose Awareness Event is presented by Bowen Health Clinic, Northeastern Center and Parkview LaGrange Hospital. Crossroads United Way and the Shipshewana Trading Post Auction and Flea Market are event sponsors. Other community organizations have also generously supported the event by underwriting costs. For Lake's Sake and AWRC Crisis Services are the T-shirt sponsors. Banners are sponsored by Bowen Health Clinic, Farmers State Bank, LaGwana Signs, the LaGrange County Health Department and Parkview LaGrange Hospital. The LaGrange County Mental Health/Substance Use Collaborative is a partnership of community organizations working to improve mental health and substance use outcomes for all county residents. Members provide a variety of services, including prevention and early intervention programs, treatment and recovery support services, and advocacy and public education. Register to attend the Sept. 19 event using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/JxvtcHQREk. Participants must register by Sept. 5 in order to receive a free T-shirt. Information is also available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/uKxGoDonMJWA22Hi/. Help is always available Anyone experiencing mental distress associated with suicidal thoughts or substance use can find help available 24/7 from these and other sources: • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Confidential help through a network of more than 200 crisis centers supported by state and federal resources. Also https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357). Also https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. • Parkview Behavioral Health Institute (PBHI) HelpLine, based in Fort Wayne: 260-471-9440 (or 800-284-8439 toll free). Confidential assessments, information and referrals for services, and admission assistance for inpatient or outpatient services, if needed. • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Also https://www.crisistextline.org/. Submitted: 08/28/24 Article By: Parkview LaGrange Hospital |