Vigil To Remember Those Lost To Suicide

wsjm949depend-2016-78
wsjm949depend-2016-78

The Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition is hoping to bring some attention to programs in the area for those who may need help. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Michigan, and the coalition’s Trent Watford tells WSJM News there were 26 suicides investigated in Berrien County in 2014, and he thinks more went unrecorded.

“If you speak with people who work with police or 911 or the emergency rooms, you’d find out that there are a lot of people that call or come in because of a problem related to suicide,” Watford said.

The coalition conducted a survey of more than 900 people and found more than half knew someone who attempted suicide. It also found people think there should be a greater awareness of places to turn for help. There will be a vigil this Saturday from 8:30 to 9 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Lake Bluff Park as part of World Suicide Prevention Day. You can find out about the coalition at BerrienCares.org.