HONESDALE, PA — Troubling statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this year shows that the rate of suicide has increased throughout the country, and by roughly 34% in Pennsylvania alone between 1999 and 2016.

In 2016, nearly 45,000 lives were lost as a result of suicide.

In the wake of these numbers, communities often find ways to support one another through difficult times—to check in with a friend, family or colleague, or to form community suicide prevention groups. The Wayne/Pike Suicide Awareness Committee meets monthly in Honesdale to offer a positive support opportunity for those dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide.

The next meeting of the Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group will be December 20 at Wayne Memorial Hospital, 601 Park St., at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in conference room number three on the second floor. Anyone 16 or older can attend.

The group is planning its 2019 Awareness Walk for September 28 as well. Anyone with questions or who would like to be of service to the group can contact Michelle Valinski at 570/253-9200.