News : Vinton Kiwanis Club Welcomes BCSPC

The Benton County Suicide Coalition presented a program to the local Vinton Kiwanis. Greg Walston introduced Braxton Morrison who addressed the group. Both men shared that while they haven't had family members affected by suicide, they have seen the need for something to address the issue.

In 2022, the county had a total of six residents succumb to suicide. Two other years matched that number since records have been kept.

In April of 2024 Morrison began the group. Having seen the results of suicide in different aspects due to his work in law enforcement and as an EMT he knows the devastation it brings to families.

The group has been bringing in 20 to 30 people each month to their monthly meetings. A large number for a county the size of Benton County. He shared the purpose, mission and vision for the organization. Using advocacy and informal education the group will help to educate the public. They will be partnering with organizations like the Benton County Extension and use services to help with education.

They are seeking out ways to bring positive messages to people and help to bring awareness to the struggles some face. They will be seen at local events like parades, fairs and community events.

The group has found six different areas of need. They will be addressing the elderly, youth, and agricultural populations to address. There is also a marketing and communications committee. A planning committee will be scheduling events as well as figuring out a way to reach the community. The group held their first Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk last September during Suicide Prevention month. There were about 118 people who attended the event on a day that was not ideal for the event. Organizing this event will be its own committee.

There are tentative plans to begin a suicide survivors group and the group is looking at training to go with that. The group is seeking funding to send members through the training.

The group meets on the first Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the Van Horne Community Center or via Zoom. Anyone is welcome to attend, there is no need to be part of any special organization to join you only need a heart to help.

Morrison said that assualt, substance abuse, crisis, and domestic abuse are all risk factors for suicide loss. Organizations that help with these issues are also involved in the coalition. These groups help to educate about ways to stop these issues.

Walston shared that at the walk, he started asking people if they had a story that they would like to share. He said that everyone had a story that had affected them personally or indirectly. "There's a lot of hurt in Benton County," he said.

Prevention and awareness is the goal of the group. They are not trained in intervention. If someone is in a crisis, they encourage you to call 988 or 911 which will direct you to the proper help that is needed.

If you want to be involved with this endeavor, but can't make the meetings, yet you have a talent in marketing or communications or other abilities, please reach out to donate your expertise to the group.

Walston shared that ISU has begun to focus on mental health especially for farmers and those in the rural areas. He noted that things like market fluctuation affects farmers and their income so ISU is trying to be a source of encouragement to those struggling.

Walston shared a program that Morrison had taught the group. It's called, "QPR." The letters stand for "question, persuade and respond" it's a tool Walston explained that can be used to reach out to those who are struggling. Becoming aware if there is a need, then persuade them to seek help, then respond by going with them if they need someone. It could be as simple as providing a ride or assisting in any way that you can to get the help that is needed.

Walston also shared that the Extension is working on a program called, "Mindful Teens," reaching middle and high school-aged children. He hopes to help remove the stigma of mental illness by allowing people to discuss their problems and help them to find solutions. The message the group hopes to share is that you are loved, you're cared about and there are folks out there who want to help find a way to help.

Morrison feels that Benton County can achieve zero suicides, which of course is the goal of the group for Benton County, but it will be done only with a community effort.

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To join their email/newsletter group click HERE.

The group os a nonprofit as well. If you would like to make a donation, click HERE.