HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners lent their support to the efforts of the NEPA Suicide Prevention Initiative (NESPI) on September 5 when they proclaimed the month “Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.”

NESPI spokesman John Nebzydoski noted the need to amend the proclamation’s reported number of 2019 suicides in Wayne from six to 12. Wayne had 18 confirmed suicides in 2018. Nationally, suicide is the second leading cause of death of people 10 to 34.

In other efforts to raise awareness about suicide rates, the fourth annual “Share the Journey Suicide Prevention and Remembrance Walk” will take place at the Wallenpaupack Area School District, 2552 U.S. Route 6 in Hawley, on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The announcement states that the walk allows family and friends “to share our grief and honor our loved ones; to raise awareness that most suicides are the result of severe depression; to fight the stigma that stops people from asking for help; to raise funds in our loved ones name(s) to provide local suicide prevention programs… All donations collected for Wayne and Pike Counties stay in our counties.”

“It can be emotional, but I encourage everyone to attend,” Commissioner Wendell Kay said. He offered the story of the person who was the only one to ever survive a leap from the Golden Gate Bridge. “He said he had decided he would not do it if a single person questioned him, [or] if anyone spoke to him. No one did. Miraculously, he survived.”

“Most of us know someone who has lost someone, or even the victim,” Commissioner Brian Smith said. “Sometimes, just saying ‘hello’ can make a difference.”

There is no charge for the walk. Donations can be sent to NESPI, 648 Park St., Honesdale, PA 18431. For more information call 570/253-9200.
In other business, the commissioners approved a contract addendum for Wayne County Correctional Facility physician, Dr. Philip Gutherz, providing $3,500 monthly for 24 months. They also approved financial certification for Wayne’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program for the 2019 fiscal year in the amount of $738,084 and noted two 2019 Tax Appeal Court settlements favoring Noel and Regina Corpuel, in the amount of $12,770.33.