County, city, CCSD partner for suicide prevention awareness campaign

Churchill County, the city of Fallon and Churchill County School District on Sept. 9 issued a joint proclamation recognizing September as “Suicide Prevention Awareness Month” in Nevada.

Representatives from the three entities – including Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford, County Commission Chairman Myles Getto and School District Superintendent Derild Parsons – dyed the Maine Street fountain purple to kick off the campaign. The community is also encouraged to wear purple or teal every Friday in September to show support.

“Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time when millions of people around the world join their voices to raise awareness of suicide prevention treatment and recovery,” Tedford read from the joint proclamation. “This is a time that is dedicated… to encourage all community members to know the signs, find the words, and reach out to someone they are concerned about.”

This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with a goal to raise awareness about the importance of reducing the stigma and promoting open conversations about suicide prevention.

“If you or someone you know is struggling there is no shame in getting help,” Getto said.

Nationwide, calling or texting 988 and chatting at 988lifeline.org will connect to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Getto also said that artists at the William N. Pennington Life Center, led by group facilitator Patricia Sammons, are creating topical paintings to display in the center throughout the month.

Mandie Hammer, Churchill County High School counselor, said that a collaborative agency, community-wide Suicide Prevention Plan is currently under development and “will serve as a roadmap to identify, support and empower those who need it most... to foster a culture of openness, understanding and support.”

Parsons concluded the ceremony.

 “I want to tell you that today my life is better because of you,” he said. “I cannot imagine a world that does not have you, and I mean you, individually, in it. I ask that today and every day, you let the people who matter to you know that they make your world a better place to be. They need to know and believe that you can’t imagine a world without them.”