Understanding risk factors of suicide in Wayne, Pike

By OWEN WALSH
Posted 9/23/20

HONESDALE, PA — In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, members of the Wayne/Pike Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI) spoke to the Wayne County Commissioners at their meeting …

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Understanding risk factors of suicide in Wayne, Pike

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HONESDALE, PA — In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, members of the Wayne/Pike Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI) spoke to the Wayne County Commissioners at their meeting last Thursday.

Unfortunately, some aspects of Wayne and Pike counties that residents take pride in, are also risk factors for suicide, members of the group told the commissioners. In both Wayne and Pike counties, there are a high number of veterans, residents who work as correctional officers, residents who serve as volunteer first responders and a significant number of gun owners. Also, simply, the sheer ruralness of both counties are considered risk factors.

In 2020, there have been six suicides in Wayne County. All six were the result of gunshot wounds. In addition to providing training, NSPI has worked to distribute gun locks and information on gun safety to residents.

“Being in a family that’s had direct death by suicide, it changes everybody’s lives so much, so painfully and so tragically,” said commissioner Joe Adams. “We just want to thank you so much for all that you do.”

The group usually plans a fundraising walk this time of year but, of course, 2020 has required some modifications to that plan. NSPI is hosting a virtual walk on Saturday, September 26. Facebook users can participate by posting a picture of themselves walking by midnight October 3 to be entered into a gift card raffle. Participation is free but donations are appreciated.

Rather than asking for donations from local businesses this year, NSPI instead worked to put money back into the community and support local nonprofits and businesses through the financial strain of the pandemic.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800/273-TALK, Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741. More information about NSPI is available online.

suicide prevention, month, Wayne County, commissioners, prevention initiative,

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