Community conversation kicks off suicide prevention campaign

Community conversations have begun in Fulton County to not only curb suicides but also support survivors of suicide loss. 

The first of many – generating ideas on both fronts – recently took place at The Support Cafe, formerly The Recovery Cafe, in downtown Rochester. It was organized by the cafe's executive director, Pat Brown, to bring people together to create solutions and identify resources for those at risk, survivors and grieving loved ones. What culminated was the formation of a local task force, or suicide prevention coalition.

Taking part in the kickoff meeting were representatives of the cafe, the Fulton County Health Department, 4C Health, Woodlawn Hospital and Smith Sawyer Smith Agency, as well as some personally affected by suicide. 

In opening the meeting, Brown pointed to prevention and support as key goals. But he also referenced the importance of setting a community standard for compassion, especially in cases like Helen Burden, who lost her father Henry Paulson to suicide last December and was faced with the unthinkable task of cleaning up after he was gone. She was joined at the meeting by her sister, Kim Chamberlin, and mother, Patricia Paulson, Henry's lifelong friend and former wife.

"A lot of us have contact with people who suicide has been an issue or is an issue in their life, either professionally or personally," Brown said. "As a community, it seems like this group could work to bring a broader conversation."

There have been a total of 35 suicides in Fulton County over the last eight years, according to statistics provided by the coroner's office. That's an average of four per year, with as many as seven in 2022 alone. In a tragic coincidence, a suicide by hanging was reported in the county less than two hours after the community meeting.   

In broaching the topic of available resources, 4C Health's Benson Smith noted the community mental health center serving seven counties has a wide variety of professionals and personnel on hand to assist. From its mobile crisis teams to offering free suicide prevention and mental health first aid trainings, he added that the 4C Health team is open to as much collaboration as possible. 

Smith had flyers available on those training opportunities, including one for QPR training, standing for question, persuade and refer – three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. 4C Health's Beverly Garrett, director of crisis services, also shared the number for mobile crisis services (800-552-3106). She added there is no charge and to call anytime a crisis.

"One great thing about our mobile crisis team is we come to you." Garrett said. "We will go where you're at to try to assist you in any way we can."

Smith added that those struggling with even passive suicidal ideation will receive full backing and support through 4C Health's mobile crisis teams. 

"We will run through a risk assessment, and we will determine if placement is necessary, and if not, we sit there and we develop safety plans with these people," he said. "We make sure that they're in connection with as many resources as possible, and we make sure that they have a network around them to feel supported even after we've left."

Woodlawn Chaplain Jason See noted that the hospital uses the Columbia-Suicide Severity Scale for assessment and mobile crisis teams have been very responsive in optimizing handoffs for follow-up services. Fortunately, he added there does seem to be a lot of places to enter into services, whether from home, at a clinic, the emergency room, or the cafe. 

Those looking to speak with a licensed therapist can find August Cox at the cafe. Her services are free of charge, as she is paid through grant funding. She also offers telehealth services for those who may not feel comfortable coming in person. 

In terms of outreach, Brown noted that farmers have suicide rates much higher than the general population. In fact, recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that farmers are twice as likely as people in other occupations to die by suicide. 

To let local farmers know resources are available to them, Brown plans to distribute information to outlying areas provided by the Farm Aid office. For immediate help, it recommends calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the Farm Aid Hotline at 800-327-6243.

Fulton County Public Health Nurse Denise Ostafin noted Health First Indiana funding could be available for initiatives such as providing for suicide cleanup and prevention training. 

Other ideas suggested included exploring online resources, a suicide awareness walk, follow-up services for survivors, a youth ambassador program and transportation services. Before concluding, working groups were formed for service coordination, marketing and support. 

"I don't think our goal is zero suicide. I think our goal is zero people feeling alone," Brown said. "As much as I may love or care for a certain person, I can't live their life. But, I can make sure that my every interaction with them and my every action tells them you're not alone."

Those interested in taking part in the local suicide prevention campaign are encouraged to stop by The Support Cafe or call 574-223-2233.