Vigil puts light on mental health resources

Nearly 70 people attended the second annual Suicide Prevention Candlelight Vigil on Sept. 8 at Livingston County Mental Health Services. The vigil featured multiple speakers, music and a remembrance ceremony.

Speakers remembered those lost to suicide while advocating for change and offering hope for the future.

"Every day may not be good, but every day has something good," said one woman.

The event coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day, which was Sept. 10. The theme for this year's campaign was "connect, communicate and care."

Organizers of the vigil in Livingston County - which has one of the highest suicide rates in the state - sought to raise awareness for the resources available to those in crisis and their families. By creating dialogue, organizers hope to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Stigma keeps those in need quiet and afraid to seek help.

"We all know that suicide impacts everyone, but no one talks about it..." said Suicide Prevention Task Force Co-Chair Lynne Mignemi. She stressed that "it's a medical condition that is treatable."

Near the event's end, individuals lit candles to symbolize a spark of hope, compassion and understanding.

The Livingston County Community Health Assessment ranks suicide prevention as one of the county's top health issues. In 2013, Livingston County had an average of 15 suicides per 100,000 people - while the state average was 8.

Mignemi attributed the county's high rate to its diverse population. Males age 44 to 54, females age 10 to 14, farmers, law enforcement officials and veterans all experience higher rates of suicide.

"We hit a lot of the demographics," Mignemi said.

In order to address the populations at highest risk, Mignemi said the Suicide Prevention Task Force is comprised of an "incredibly diverse cross-section of the community."

In an effort to make more people aware of the resources available to them, the task force has created and distributed tool kits to law enforcement and first responders. The information has been so well received that doctors are now requesting similar kits.

---

For more information on the Suicide Prevention Task Force, visit www.gvhp.org.