'Operation Disrupt' Campaign Offers Help to Those Considering Suicide

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Police Department has teamed up with surrounding organizations for the "Operation Disrupt" campaign in an effort to help those who may be contemplating suicide, according to a news release from the Forest Preserve District.

Part of the campaign includes the posting of suicide prevention signs in Will County preserves. The signs feature the Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, (800) 273-TALK (8255), and the Crisis Text Line, where people can text the word "REACH" to 741741 to receive help 24/7.

There were 61 reported suicides in Will County in 2021, according to the Will County Coroner's Office. The youngest was a 15-year-old boy in Joliet Township, according to the Coroner's Office's data.

“This is a very important issue that is not going away,” said Forest Preserve Deputy Police Chief David Barrios Jr. “So many people suffer from depression and mental health issues. Some feel the only solution is suicide.

"If we can identify warning signs of suicide and get that person help during their crisis, that is the main goal. The posted signs with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline number and crisis text line are there to remind those in need that help is available.”

Forest Preserve police officers receive annual training in mental health and how to spot warning signs of someone who is contemplating suicide, Barrios said.

"After hearing about the increase in suicides among high school students, we wanted to participate in raising awareness about this serious issue and to do our part toward opening up the lines of communication related to prevention,” said the Forest Preserve’s deputy director and public safety administrator Tracy Chapman.

"Operation Disrupt" was created this year by a joint task force made up of Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, the Naperville Park District, the City of Naperville and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, according to the release.

The campaign was developed in partnership with Jerome Kaul, lead clinical therapist at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, who said suicides and “deaths of despair” are at epidemic levels, according to the release.

“It is vitally important that the mental health profession partner with law enforcement, park districts and forest preserve districts on practical measures that can be taken to disrupt suicide attempts and save lives,” Kaul said.