In a significant move to highlight the importance of mental health, Lawrenceburg Mayor Blake Lay and Lawrence County Executive David Morgan have declared September as Suicide Prevention Month. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical warning signs of suicide, available treatment options, and effective ways to support individuals who may be struggling. The urgency of this proclamation was tragically underscored shortly thereafter when the community learned of the suicide of a young man who was a member of Executive Morgan’s church, emphasizing the dire need for accessible mental health resources.
For those grappling with suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available by calling or texting 988, where trained counselors stand ready to provide support and connect individuals to local resources. The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) plays a vital role in this effort, offering complimentary training and resources tailored for individuals, businesses, churches, and community organizations. TSPN is dedicated to diminishing the stigma surrounding suicide and offers support to families and friends who are navigating the painful experience of losing a loved one.
In Lawrence County, TSPN collaborates closely with Lawrence County Schools to enhance mental health support for students. The school district was among the first to benefit from the five-year Project AWARE grant, which facilitated the introduction of school-based therapy. Following the conclusion of this grant, the district took proactive steps by hiring in-house therapists, with backing from the Lawrence County Commission, to ensure that students have consistent access to the same counselor. Currently, five therapists are employed within the district, with an additional therapist funded through Centerstone. Students have the option to self-refer for support or be referred by parents, teachers, or staff members. Referrals can be submitted through the district’s website at lcss.us under the Resources section, specifically for School-Based Therapy Services.
The impact of this program has been significant, contributing to a reduction in suicide-related emergency room visits among youth. Notably, most alerts now occur during school breaks or the summer months, indicating a critical time for intervention. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their children’s online activities by monitoring social media usage, setting limits on phone time, discussing online safety, and addressing issues related to cyberbullying. It is essential for parents to model healthy technology habits, as algorithms can inadvertently expose children to harmful content without their awareness.
Lawrence County remains committed to collaborating with schools, TSPN, and various community partners to combat stigma, broaden mental health resources, and ensure that support is readily available for anyone in need. This collective effort underscores the community’s dedication to fostering