Survey Launches to Promote Suicide Prevention Efforts in Berrien County
St. Joseph, Michigan (March 2, 2015) - Every year in Berrien County, there are about 20* families who are plunged into the nightmare of suicide grief after their loved one has ended his or her life. And for every completed suicide, it is estimated that there are 25 or more attempts. This tragic problem is now being addressed by the newly-formed Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition (BCSPC).
The BCSPC's mission is to connect the people of Berrien County to the information and resources they need for emotional wellness, thereby preventing suicide. They are organized as an advisory committee of the Berrien Mental Health Authority and have the participation of Riverwood Center, Lakeland HealthCare, RESA, Berrien County Health Department, and others. BCSPC was started in December 2011 by a group of people affected by suicide who saw a need for a concerted effort in suicide prevention.
In order for the Coalition to target our county's most critical areas, the BCSPC has launched a brief survey. The results of this survey will help the Coalition plan its prevention efforts and also to apply for grants. They are asking the residents of Berrien County to go to www.berriencares.org and invest 10 minutes to help the suicide prevention effort in our area. Afterwards, they would appreciate having the link passed on to others.
The Coalition asks for your assistance to help reach their goal of at least 1,000 responses. So far they have about 100. The closing date for the survey is planned for Memorial Day weekend.
*Average number of reported suicides in Berrien County from the years 2005-2010
Press Contact
Trent Watford
269-428-7226
