Local Organizations Trying To Raise Awareness On World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and local organizations have events planned throughout the month to help raise awareness about suicide prevention.

The number of suicides has increased in Mentor, Lake County and across the country recently.

For example, there were three suicides all of last year in Mentor, according to the Mentor Police Department. However, this year, three people killed themselves just in July.

Since January, there have been seven suicides in the city -- more than in the entirety of 2009 (when there were five) or 2010 (six.)

Meanwhile, in Lake County, the number of suicides has grown from 21 in 2009 to 36 last year, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office. And, with 27 already, that number will likely increase again in 2012.

The Lake County Suicide Prevention Coalition is having a live community presentation on the subject of suicide prevention 7 p.m. today at .

Those who attend will learn some of the warning signs that might indicate a friend, acquaintance or loved one might be thinking about hurting themselves.

The Suicide Prevention Coalition's biggest mission is to reach out to people who might be depressed or thinking about hurting themselves and to find them the help they need.

The coalition has found some creative ways to do this. For example, they've made coasters with information about their suicide help line they will be distributing to local bars.

The coalition is also hosting a clinic on depression and suicide Sept. 28 at for anyone who works in a salon, spa or barber shop.

Because who do people tell when they're depressed -- their stylist, their barber or the people with them at the bar.

Finally, the coalition and the Chrysalis Support Group for Survivors of Suicide Loss is sponsoring its annual memorial service for those who have lost a loved one, friend or coworker to suicide.

The service will take place at 2 p.m. on Sept. 30 at in Mentor. It is a nondenominational service and open to anyone who has lost someone to suicide.

Attendees may also bring a photo to post on the service's memory board.

The Lake County Suicide Prevention Coalition is funded by the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board.

Those who are considering hurting themselves can call the Lake County Crisis Hotline at 800-411-0105, 440-357-7300 and 440-953-8255 for immediate help. (All three numbers take a caller to the same place.)