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County proclaims September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; local providers outline resources
Summary
The Dickinson County Commission adopted a suicide-prevention proclamation for September and heard from Central Kansas Mental Health Center representatives about 988, text support, mobile crisis teams, and local mental-health-first-aid training.
The Dickinson County Commission adopted a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and heard presentations from staff at Central Kansas Mental Health Center about crisis resources and local outreach.
Taylor Hawes of Central Kansas Mental Health Center read the proclamation, noting state and local suicide data and urging residents to use crisis resources. The proclamation recognized that suicide remains a leading cause of death for certain age groups and that access to care is a protective factor. "We recognize that the impact of suicide is not limited to individuals and families, but extends throughout schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and the entire community," Hawes read.
Representatives from the mental-health provider highlighted resources for residents. Gretchen Boyan, communications specialist, emphasized the 988 crisis line and said it is appropriate to call or text 988 even if a caller "is not in crisis. You can call the line... You don't have to be in crisis." Julie Kyson of the provider's children's services noted text capability is important for younger people who prefer messaging.
The presenters also described a mobile crisis team that can respond and said Central Kansas Mental Health Center is expanding outreach in rural counties. They promoted mental-health-first-aid training for adults and youth, sometimes offered at low cost to the public, as a way to give community members tools to recognize and respond to crisis signs.
Commissioner action: a commissioner moved to adopt the proclamation; a second was recorded and the motion passed by voice vote. The record states: "All those in favor, say aye. Aye. We have adopted the proclamation, September suicide awareness law." (sic in transcript). The proclamation, as read, urges residents and institutions to increase awareness, connect people to timely support including 988, and promote community programs.
Presenters offered to provide printed materials and training information to county staff and requested a photo opportunity after the meeting; the commission accepted the proclamation and thanked the visitors.
