Drive-through event brings support and hope to SLO County 

September is Suicide Prevention Month

–The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is wrapping up September by inviting the community to partake in their Suicide Prevention Month drive-through event. The event on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Transitions-Mental Health Association in San Luis Obispo will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

SLO Behavioral Health is collaborating with Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) to host the drive-through. The drive-through will offer residents a chance to pick up mental health care packages and learn about ways they can receive virtual mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States (CDC, 2020) and the 8th leading cause of death in San Luis Obispo County (CDPH, 2019). The recent COVID-19 pandemic has put strain on many community members, adding several mental health risk factors to their lives such as increased anxiety, stress, and changes to daily routines. Many are finding it harder to access vital services and reach out for support.

“Our community is resilient, but mental health challenges are real, and our social well-being has experienced challenges as of late,” says Alysia Hendry, SLO Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention Coordinator. “Suicide prevention work is a year-round job. It includes providing direct services and support, focusing on prevention and early intervention, as well as providing postvention support to those who have lost someone to suicide. September is a time to recognize that suicide prevention work is about life. It is about finding common ground and supporting our neighbors, colleagues, and of course our family and friends. Everyone has the power to make an impact, which is why it is so important to get involved in these efforts.”

SLO Behavioral Health has offered several virtual outreach efforts this month including the annual Suicide Prevention Forum as well as suicide prevention trainings for local professionals and schools. Several resources are available online for residents’ to access. Community members can visit http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/suicideprevention and/or follow Behavioral Health on Facebook and Instagram at @slobehavioralhealth for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free number, 1-800-273-TALK(8255).

About the author: News Staff

News staff of the A-Town Daily News wrote and edited this article from local contributors and press releases. Scott Brennan is the publisher of this newspaper and founder of Access Publishing. Connect with him on Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, or follow his blog. He can be reached at [email protected].