County Mayor Tim Stribling and Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss signed proclamations Thursday designating September as Suicide Prevention Month in the city and county.On hand to witness the signing were Mark Allison and Lena Higgins of the Cookeville Upper Cumberland region of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network or TSPN.“This is really a great thing you’re doing,” said Higgins. “We really appreciate it.”Allison and Higgins provided materials to give out at city hall including crisis phone numbers, the new text-line posters, pamphlets, ink pens and wrist bracelets that say “TN Lives County – Never Give Up.”The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) and Crisis Text Line, a free, 24/7 text-messaging support line for people in crisis, recently announced the launch of a partnership bringing crisis support to anyone in the state. People in Tennessee can text “TN” to 741-741 to connect with a crisis counselor.An estimated 950 men, women, and children die by suicide in Tennessee each year.
September Suicide Awareness Month