September IS National Suicide Prevention / Awareness Month

The Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention announces initiatives during September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) will promote events and campaigns to raise awareness about, and reduce the stigma associated with, mental health disorders and suicide. This movement was implemented in order to encourage people to take care of their physical and emotional well-being, raise awareness of resources, and reduce the stigma often associated with seeking mental health support.

Look for purple ribbons, representing the colors of Suicide Prevention, around town center. These ribbons will contain tags with QR codes that lead to a resource page. Medfield is fortunate to have so many businesses that support suicide prevention; many of these businesses will demonstrate that support by displaying purple lights in their windows and entrances during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Driving through Medfield on a September evening will leave you with a sense of togetherness and support as you notice purple ribbons and lights up in the center of town.

Let’s join together as a community by wearing purple on Friday, September 9th as a demonstration of support to all those who have struggled or continue to struggle with mental health. Collective action symbolizes that we are stronger together, help is available, and one is NOT alone. Encourage your child to wear purple to school that day as well! It’s never too early to begin talking about the mind-body connection and health.

A Yoga on the Turf event will be offered on Sunday, September 19th at 12:30pm on the Medfield High School turf. Tracey Buckley of Medfield Yoga Studio graciously donates her time and talents annually to lead this outdoor yoga class, where participants focus on being present and focused. This event honors the mind-body connection and allows residents to connect with themselves and with the community in order to enhance wellbeing.

Medfield Outreach staff are now certified QPR trainors. QPR is a Suicide Prevention Training that teaches people to recognize the warning signs of suicidal thinking and behavior, and trains individuals to question, persuade, and refer those at risk for help. If you have an interest in becoming trained or hosting a training for a group of friends, neighbors, or co-workers in the community, please reach out to MedfieldOutreach@medfield.net to check availability.

The Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention was created in September 2017 and is composed of community members and professionals who care about mental health. Recognizing that suicide has touched our town, the coalition came together to form an initiative that raises awareness and has the potential to save lives. Our mission is to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of all community members, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and educate our community to help end suicide. Our vision is to build a community where suicide, self-harm, and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care, and acceptance.

The coalition is open to all community members! Learn more on our website at https://www.medfieldcsp.org/ or email us at medfieldoutreach@medfield.net for the monthly meeting schedule.