Press Release: Midcoast Community Alliance Statement on Recent Losses Within Our Communities
Recent Deaths Raise Community Concern
Over the past month our communities have experienced two deaths in public places that have been investigated as suicides. Without knowing the details into the lives of these two individuals, it is impossible to offer any blanket statements about what may have contributed to their decisions to end their lives. A suicide death deeply impacts all those who are touched by the life and death of the person, and when the death occurs in a public place, more people are affected.
Any loss by suicide increases community concern about contagion and the safety of our loved ones and neighbors. Many suicides are preventable when people understand common warning signs for risk and are familiar with the community resources available to respond and support intervention. The key to prevention is to support the individual to get the help they need when they are in crisis.
For more information on suicide prevention and community resources to support resilience:
Midcoast Community Alliance “Call to Action for Suicide Prevention”
What: This event focuses on public health issues facing Sagadahoc County and features a panel of speakers from NAMI Maine (National Alliance for Mental Illness)
When: Sunday, April 30th, at 4:00 pm
Where: Gymnasium at the Bath Parks & Recreation Department (4 Sheridan Road, Bath).
Hosted by: Bath Police Chief Mike Field
Light Refreshments will be provided by Solo Bistro, Run with Soup, and Mae’s Café.
If you are worried about the safety of someone in your life or if you think they may be suicidal, call the Maine Crisis Hotline; 1-888-568-1112 to speak with a trained crisis clinician 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If out of state, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. Help is available.