Judge Executive David Johnston signs a proclamation recognizing Suicide Prevent and recovery week in Ohio County. Pictured behind Johnston were members of the mental health and suicide awareness committee Johnston formed recently, from L-to-R: Savanna Vaughn, Ashley Davis, Amanda Fitzgerald, Jason Bullock, and Dustin Bratcher. (Photo provided by Johnston’s office)
HARTFORD, Ky. — The week of Sept. 6-12 has been proclaimed Suicide Prevention and Recovery Week in Ohio County by Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston. Johnston signed the proclamation in his office Wednesday morning.
National Suicide Prevention Week is this week, Sept. 6-12, 2020, and September 2020 is National Recovery Month.
Both observances have united to raise awareness that suicide prevention is possible. Treatment is available for those who need it and people do recover.
According to Johnston’s proclamation, “we must encourage relatives, friends, co-workers and providers to recognize the signs of a problem and guide those in need to appropriate services and supports.”
Joining Johnston in his office for the signing of the proclamation was Ashley Davis a mental health therapist with Mending Minds, LLC in Hartford, Kentucky. Davis sat down with Erin Grant and Sam Alford for the latest Main & Local podcast to discuss suicide prevention.
Davis also discussed the upcoming Suicide Awareness Walk at the Ohio County Park. The Suicide Prevention Walk takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. The walk is to remember lost loved ones and to bring awareness to suicide prevention and mental health resources.
For more information on the event, or to order a T-shirt, check out the event’s Facebook page at @standupoc.
