This Will Pass: Suicide Prevention

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Suicide is undoubtedly a touchy subject to address. However, after losing a loved one to suicide last year, Mecklenburg County employee Jack Stutts wanted to challenge others to do something that seems difficult, “You must ask the question.” In response to an increase in local suicide attempts, Mecklenburg County Area Mental Health partnered with the Mecklenburg County Health Department, Mecklenburg County’s Public Service and Information, CMC-Randolph, and the Mental Health Association of Central Carolinas to produce a collaborative public education and training campaign to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of adult depression and suicidal ideation and explain how every person can play a role in preventing suicide. This comprehensive campaign included the following: a series of media relations messages distributed through all partner agencies; a direct mail print piece sent to Mecklenburg County residents highlighting the problem, how to recognize signs and symptoms of adult depression and suicidal thoughts, and local resources for those in need; a specialized best practice suicide prevention training (Q.P.R) offered to County employee and residents for free; a powerful training film titled “This Will Pass: Suicide Prevention,” distributed and available online for free; and a special event to launch the film and encourage community discussion to continue identifying gaps in services and resources and address them collaboratively.