The Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC) launched a new website (suicideprevention.jocogov.org). The new online presence will increase awareness on the work of the coalition and provide an easy way for community members to request suicide prevention resources for their family, work or community organization.

“Our hope is that this new online presence will accelerate the work of suicide prevention in Johnson County by making it easier for community members to get direct access to resources,” said Sondra Wallace, chair of the Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

The Johnson County SPC was founded in 2012 by Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) in order to increase community awareness, education and outreach. Currently, there are more than 450 members representing more a variety of businesses and organizations in Johnson County. Information about the SPC was available previously as a page on JCMHC’s website. It now has its own dedicated website where community members can download suicide prevention resources and order materials such as car magnets or gun locks.

“The Suicide Prevention Coalition has demonstrated that it is a critical part of our overall strategy to prevent suicides and raise awareness about mental health in Johnson County,” said JCMHC Director Tim DeWeese. “It’s one of the reasons why we are seeing an increase in the number of people reaching out for help with their mental health, while also seeing a decrease in the number of deaths by suicide.”

Individuals interested in joining the SPC can email spc@jocogov.org. Community members who would like to support the work of suicide prevention in Johnson County can donate to SPC through Friends of Johnson County Mental Health Center at friendsofjcmhc.org.