Shining a Light on Resources - National Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month — we’ve gathered information from local suicide prevention and mental health organizations to help raise awareness on this stigmatized topic and to provide resources for individuals seeking help.
In addition to resources, this article notes the importance of suicide awareness and how family and friends of those with mental health conditions can provide support.
Resources —
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - National Alliance on Mental Illness designated 988 as a nationwide 3-digit number for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services in 2022. This free and confidential service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. https://988lifeline.org/
Turning Point System of Care Crisis Line available 24/7 - (765) 860-8365
Turning Point System of Care is located at 1234 N. Courtland Ave.
Kokomo. It exists to help serve the community with resources for mental health services, substance abuse recovery programs, support groups and more.Click here to learn more about mental health services offered at Turning Point.
Suicide Prevention Coalition of Howard County
The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Howard County is under the umbrella of Turning Point System of Care. It helps coordinate, facilitate and advise resources and groups for suicide prevention.
Alternatives to Suicide Howard County
Alternatives to Suicide is a non-clinical peer support group run by people with lived experience in mental health challenges. This anonymous group for ages 18 and older gives people with mental illness and unresolved trauma a free space to express their griefs and challenges without the involvement of hospitals or police.
“A huge barrier with talking about suicide is it’s so stigmatized. It’s an emotion and it’s something that needs to be processed. We provide a place where we understand that these are thoughts and thoughts aren’t crimes,” said program facilitator Dawn Harvey.
Meetings are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every first and third Thursday at the downtown Kokomo Howard County Public Library at 220 N. Union St., and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday via Zoom.
Contact: Dawn Harvey, alt2suindiana@gmail.comClick here to view their Facebook page.
2nd Annual Walk of Hope by Suicide Prevention Coalition of Howard County
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and a program will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 with the memorial walk to follow. The walk begins at 721 W. Superior St., Kokomo. This event is free to participate in and honors those who lost their lives to suicide.
Sign up here.