CARMEL – Putnam County lawmakers have called on all residents of the county to play a role in promoting mental wellness, reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking behaviors and supporting those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis by proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness month.
The declaration was made Tuesday during a meeting of the governing body when Legislator Nancy Montgomery noted that the county was committed to “strengthening suicide prevention efforts through collaboration among local government, healthcare providers, schools, first responders, community organizations, faith communities and residents.”
The county’s Suicide Prevention Task Force under the supervision of Marla Behler and Megan Castellano along with Maria Idoni, director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, works year-round to raise awareness, expand education and training, support evidence-based prevention strategies, promote postvention services for suicide loss survivors while fostering a compassionate resilient community where every individual knows they matter.
Legislator Montgomery also encouraged residents to learn the warning signs of suicide while supporting those struggling and at the same time becoming familiar with local and national resources including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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