Beacon of Hope Suicide Awareness Prevention Month event

Suicide is a public health crisis and one of the leading causes of death in America, with social, emotional and economic consequences.

However, with early intervention, it can be prevented.

Beacon of Hope, a September Suicide Awareness Prevention month event came to the Joplin Public Library at 1901 E. 30th Street Saturday afternoon.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and anyone can take actions – big or small – to help prevent suicide by providing hope to those in crisis who might be contemplating suicide.

Stephen McCullough is assistant director of crisis services at Ozark Center.

“We have 988, which is the national lifeline,” he says. “They will take calls from anyone who is having the issue or anyone who is concerned about another person.”

He says the lifeline will help provide face-to-face intervention including outpatient services, family, churches and other forms of support.

The 988 number is staffed 24-7.

Hosted by Ozark Center Crisis Services, Beacon of Hope allowed the public to hear from those who have been directly impacted by the tragedy of suicide, coming away with information from area mental health professionals.