The Giles County Suicide Prevention Task Force was commissioned in 2005 in an effort to combat above-average suicide rates in the area. It is the third such autonomous county task force in the state.

The meeting is open to suicide survivors and their families, community volunteers, counselors and mental health professionals, representatives from state departments, and any other persons who work in a capacity that puts them in contact with potential suicide victims.

The task force will teach county residents about the warning signs of suicide and methods of prevention and promote opportunities for training in suicide prevention within Giles County. It will serve as a clearinghouse for regional, state, and national resources and a contact point for those needing immediate professional care.

The group has developed three subcommittees—Awareness, Education, and Training. Current projects include the development of a directory of locally available suicide prevention and mental health resources and suicide prevention training for persons who may come into contact with suicidal persons (physicians, counselors, clergy, etc.)

Additionally, the task force is developing a magnet campaign modeled after the one previously implemented in Hickman County. The task force will create refrigerator magnets featuring the Hopeline (1-800-SUICIDE) and Mobile Crisis Emergency Phone Numbers and distribute them to all mailing addresses in Giles County.

For more information, contact Pam Arnell, South Central Regional Chair, at (931) 424-8802 or angel1@surfmore.net.