×

Silent Watch planned

Suicide awareness event set for Sept. 10

T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Linda Masters, left, discusses the Monroe County Suicide Prevention Coalition’s “A Silent Watch” event with county Commissioners Mick Schumacher, from left, Carl Davis and Tim Price.

WOODSFIELD — As part of a suicide prevention campaign, the Monroe County Suicide Prevention Coalition is planning an event that will take place in September.

Linda Masters of the coalition came before the Monroe County Board of Commissioners on Monday, telling them she hopes to hold “A Silent Watch” event outside of the courthouse.

“We’re hoping to have it here in front of the courthouse, with your permission,” she told the commissioners.

The idea was given to her by Anthony McSwords, who works at the county Veterans Service office, she said. A flag-draped casket would be placed outside the courthouse with a person standing at either end of the casket. The idea is to get the public’s attention in order to promote suicide awareness, Masters explained.

“We’re asking people to volunteer to stand for 20 minutes. Anthony (McSwords) is working on getting veterans to participate. Jayn Devaney, from the Mental Health and Recovery Board, is working on getting agencies to come and stand to represent the agencies. I’m going to work on citizen volunteers,” Masters said.

Around 60 volunteers will be needed for the event. Each volunteer will stand for around 20 minutes. An awning will also be present, and suicide prevention information will be available for veterans and residents.

“I believe Anthony told me that the veteran statistics are 22 veterans commit suicide every day,” Masters said.

Since 2010, 21 Monroe County residents have committed suicide, she added.

“We would like to have a banner stating those numbers, just for awareness,” she said.

A week prior to the event, Masters said she would like to have a proclamation read and signed by commissioners stating that the day would be proclaimed Suicide Awareness Day.

“It is, I believe, the national date for that,” she said.

The event is scheduled to take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 10.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today