St. Clair County Community Mental Health Authority



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Suicide Prevention Committee

Background:

In 2005, the Michigan Suicide Prevention Coalition completed and distributed the Michigan State Suicide Prevention Plan. The release of this document was followed by a challenge to each Community Collaborative within the state to examine local data surrounding the issue of suicide and develop a localized plan to promote community awareness around the issue of suicide and to reduce the number of completed suicides.

In St. Clair County, the Community Services Coordinating Body (CSCB) accepted the challenge to examine the issue of suicide locally. After the initial collection of data was complete, a Community Meeting was held in January 2006 where over 60 human service, law enforcement, school, and governmental representatives were present. As the result of the information presented during this meeting, the decision was made to formalize a Suicide Prevention Committee through the CSCB.

Mission:

The charge of the Suicide Prevention Committee is to:

Collect local statistic and demographic information surrounding suicides.
Conduct a thorough analysis of our county’s resources related to suicide prevention, intervention and support to the survivors when a suicide occurs (post-vention).
Use the collected data to make recommendations through a strategic planning process on ways to develop and expand community awareness and suicide prevention activities, increase intervention services, and formalize a support network for survivors of suicide.

How You Can Help/Available Resources:

A Survivors of Suicide Support Group is available for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. Their meetings are held twice a month on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Wednesday of each month.
The Suicide Prevention Committee is currently seeking donations to their lending library. Click here for more information on how you can help, or browse the Book List for ideas on books to donate.
A speakers’ bureau is available to talk about suicide prevention efforts. For information, contact Amy Smith at asmith@scccmh.org or call 810-985-8900.