Every year, September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. This time serves as a reminder to continue taking steps to prevent suicide in our community. From 2011-2021, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in Taney County. Local efforts are being made to reduce suicide in this area. Through training and community outreach events, Taney County Health Department (TCHD) and Taney County Suicide Prevention Network (TCPSN), supported by Community Partnership of the Ozarks, are working together to raise awareness, connect people with valuable resources, and bring hope to those experienci

“Suicide prevention matters in Taney County because every life is valuable” shares Jennifer Callahan, Prevention Specialist/Community Organizer for Taney County Suicide Prevention Network. “Rural communities often face challenges such as more limited access to care and the impact of substance use, which can increase risk.”

There is hope. TCHD is committed to providing suicide prevention training to Taney County organizations and residents at no cost. The training is titled Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR). QPR training can be customized for different groups, such as Veterans, law enforcement, adults, and youth. TCHD staff can bring the class to any location. TCHD is also actively promoting educational materials about mental health and suicide. These resources include information about 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The Taney County Suicide Prevention Network (TCSPN) is a coalition of local organizations and citizens working to educate the public on the topic of suicide and decrease stigma surrounding the issue. To learn more about the community wide work to reduce suicide in Taney County, all are welcome to attend upcoming TCSPN meetings. Meetings take place at the Taney County Health Department Branson office on the last Monday of every month.

“Community Partnership of the Ozarks is proud to support the Taney County Suicide Prevention Network as part of our mission to build resilient children, healthy families, and strong neighborhoods,” adds Callahan. “By raising awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting people to help and hope, we can work together to save lives and build a stronger, healthier Taney County.”

To learn more about the TCSPN and to get involved, contact Jennifer Callahan at (417) 888-2020 ext. 137, or contact TCHD at (417) 334-4544, visit www.taneycohealth.org, or connect with TCHD Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X pages.

The above press release is from the Taney County Health Department.