Candlelight Vigil Pays Tribute to those Touched by Suicide

Immediate Release
August 21, 2009

Batavia, Ohio.  Every 40 seconds someone dies as a result of suicide; worldwide, suicide claims one million lives each year.  Suicide is now the third leading cause of death in the United States.  In Clermont County, suicide rates are increasing; thus far this year, 24 suicides have been reported in Clermont County.  If you or someone you know have lost a loved one, as a result of suicide, you are invited to attend a candlelight vigil on Thursday, September 10, 2009, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Union Township Veterans’ Memorial Park, located at corner of Glen Este-Withamsville Road and Clough Pike.

“In Clermont County we’ve seen the biggest increase in suicides among those 30-40 years old,” said Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board Executive Director Karen Scherra.  “These are people that, in many cases are struggling with economic pressures and in some cases the stigma of admitting they have a mental illness.  Suicide is preventable, if you ask for help.”  If you or someone you know is considering suicide, reach out for help today; call the Clermont Crisis Line at (513) 528-SAVE.

The eighth annual candlelight vigil is being held during National Suicide Prevention Week (September 6 – September 12, 2009).  The event is sponsored by the Clermont County Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board, and the Mental Health Association of Cincinnati.   The event will include the ceremonial lighting of candles to remember those who have died as a result of suicide, and a balloon release.  For more information about the candlelight vigil, contact Virginia Dennis at (513) 721-2910, extension 15 or e-mail vmdennis@mhaswoh.org.

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