A suicide prevention organization is unveiling a new campaign tonight. The Hope Center, now based in Basalt, is also hosting an expert on healing communities. Michelle Muething is Executive Director of the small nonprofit, which offers a hotline and counseling for people with suicidal thoughts. Muething says the new effort is called the "Erase the Stigma" campaign, and it’s based on feedback gathered since last spring.
“Many people voiced that they felt relationships were very superficial. You’d say something to someone walking down the street--hi, how are you? And you don’t even see their eyes when they respond I’m fine, or hey, how are you. They’re already six steps away.”
So the Hope Center is focusing better connecting members of the community, specifically encouraging people to talk more honestly about how they’re doing. Local sponsors include the Molly Gibson Lodge.
Death by suicide in the Roaring Fork Valley is up to three times the national average. After a series of deaths last winter, mental health providers up and down the Valley have been trying better keep that from happening again. Muething says a lot of people and businesses stepped forward, wanting to help.
“Everyone had ideas that were just fantastic, about how to really engage the community on a regular basis, so that the energy that you feel is more positive, year round, and it’s not just energy swirl after a suicide.”
Fifteen places of worship in the Valley, including some churches, will be putting mental health information regularly in their bulletins.
The campaign will include placements with Aspen 82 and buses with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority. The goal is to continue momentum far after the winter season.
And it’s none too soon. Muething says her staff has noticed recorded in calls over the last few weeks. There’s a higher intensity to the calls, and more younger people are placing them.
The Hope Center will present the "Erase the Stigma" campaign tonight at 6pm the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. Click here to see their website for more information.
