August 28, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
The select board has proclaimed Tuesday, Sept. 10, as Suicide Prevention Day and the month of September as Suicide Prevention Month in Hingham while reiterating that the town “is committed to the well-being and mental health of its residents.”
September, which has been designated National Suicide Prevention Month, is a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, promote resources for those in need, and encourage open conversations about suicide prevention.
Sept. 10 is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day — a time dedicated to promoting worldwide action to prevent suicides.
In a proclamation issued Tuesday night, the select board acknowledges the significance of “uniting as a community to support and uplift one another, and fostering an environment where seeking help is encouraged and destigmatized.”
Accordingly, the board urges all Hingham citizens to come together in solidarity to remember those who have been affected by suicide, “provide comfort to those who are struggling, and advocate for the resources and support systems that can save lives.”
Elizabeth Miller, the town’s full-time social worker in the health department, provided an update to the board.
The mental health task force, in collaboration with other town department efforts, promotes health connections and works to identify and support people who are at risk.
Upcoming events include the inaugural South Shore Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide, which supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Massachusetts chapter’s mission to save lives and to bring hope to those affected by suicide across the state.
The event — co-chaired by Hingham residents Julie Hamilton and Tamara Shape — will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, at Bare Cove Park, starting at 9 a.m., as one of nine Out of the Darkness community walks being held in Massachusetts this fall. For more information or to register, go to https://www.hinghamanchor.com/hingham-residents-join-the-out-of-the-darkness-walk-to-prevent-suicide/.
Suicide prevention training will take place Oct. 8, with a Nov. 12 “Talk Saves Lives” session, both at Hingham Public Library.
“It’s important to do events before the holidays, which can be a stressful time,” Miller said.
She can provide resources for mental health crises along with information about counseling agencies and can be reached by email through the Health Department website or at (781) 741-1466.