This story mentions suicide. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988.
Agencies across Boone County have formed a youth mental health support group called the Boone County Suicide Response Team in the wake of several suicides that have occurred within the school district.
There have been four confirmed deaths by suicide among minors in Boone County since November. Another death has occurred, as well, but the cause of that death has not yet been established.
“Even one death is too many, and the death of five young people in our community is a call to action,” said Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore in a press release. “We must come together to support our youth, their families and others across our area. This response team is just a first step in ensuring our community has the support and resources it needs.”
“Suicide is complex and conversation about it can be hard, but it is time we have those tough talks with our children, friends, family members and neighbors,” said Jennifer Mooney, district director of health at the Northern Kentucky Health Department, in the same release. “We know that prevention is possible, and that by digging in, developing, implementing and sharing effective programs and resources, hope, resilience and recovery are possible.”
The group will focus on the following areas as it relates to suicide prevention:
- Postvention–Interventions aimed at preventing further suicides in case one happens again. These include training sessions to identify warning signs and the implementation of resources to help local families deal with the loss brought about by a suicide.
- Engagement–Encouraging thoughtful and informed conversations about mental health and suicide in a way that doesn’t exasperate the problem or lead to more suicides.
- Support–Implementing programs and resources for people, including people outside of the youth population, who may be experiencing suicidal ideation or dealing with the loss of a loved one due to suicide.
The following community groups have agreed to participate in the task force, according to an announcement from the county:
- Boone County Judge/Executive’s Office
- Boone County Sheriff’s Office
- Boone County Police Social Workers
- City of Florence
- Florence Police Department
- Boone County Fire Chiefs Association
- Boone County Coroner
- Northern Kentucky Health Department
- NorthKey
- Faith-based communities
- Team Kentucky
- Boone County School District
- Walton-Verona Schools
- City of Walton
- Parent advocates
- Survivors of suicide loss