CCMH SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS PROMOTES SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH

The Cedar County Memorial Hospital Senior Life Solutions team has been very busy as they work on a month long campaign to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. They have added signs and cards throughout the hospital, Medical Mall Clinic, Evans Drugs and other local healthcare facilities with uplifting words of encouragement; and one sign in particular drawing attention to the date of Thursday, September 15, 2022 as Wear Teal and Purple day. Those colors are meant to remind us that it’s ok not to be ok. Through these colors we are reminded to find ways to hopefully prevent suicide, bring awareness to our communities, support those impacted, and especially they are a reminder that “you are not alone.” The SLS team would like to invite ALL to wear teal and purple on that day to recognize the prevalence of suicide.
Senior Life Solutions services are designed to provide assistance to a more senior population of individuals suffering from symptoms of depression, anxiety and general coping issues often related to aging. The program staff includes Erica Wait, RN, BSN, Program Director; Kim Redlich, LPC; and Tara Harris, LPN, Office Patient Coordinator. Referrals to the program may be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, or other healthcare professional. If someone you know is suffering from depression, loneliness, life transitions, or suicidal thoughts, please contact them at (417) 876-3656.
Pictured from left: Tara Harris, LPN, Office Patient Coordinator; Erica Waite, RN, BSN, SLS Program Director; Kim Redlich, LPC, Therapist