SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A bold move to save lives.
Signs with the number 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline have been posted at Busiek State Forest in Christian County.
Francis Skalicky with the Missouri Department of Conservation said, “There was a suicide here last year. One is too many.”
Officials say there have been some suicides that have happened over the past few decades in the forest.
“Before they do what they came here for hopefully, these signs will give them a thought to reconsider,” said Skalicky.
There are three signs posted around the park. They are designed to get people the help they need when they need it.
“I think it could potentially save a lot of lives. Usually, when you’ve made that decision, you think, okay I can’t take this anymore. I’m going to make a permanent decision for what could possibly be just a temporary issue,” said Stephanie Appleby with the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
She says people in crisis often isolate themselves.
“I know, just from statistics, and just my family alone. Five members of my family have completed suicide. They’ve all gone out and done it outside or in a rural area,” explained Appleby.
She says having the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline posted at Busiek State Park gives those in need the resources they need.
“I think having those signs in those areas are so important because it gives someone just a nugget of hope to think okay, there’s my sign. I think a lot of us who are dealing with mental health conditions are looking for a sign,” said Appleby.
Skalicky said, “We want our areas to be known for all the good things but if people come here for a despairing reason well there’s help for them too. There’s is help. There is hope. That’s what these signs are there for.”
Source: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline signs posted at Busiek State Forest in Christian County (ky3.com)
