September is National Sucidie Prevention Month and one local organization in Greene County has lots of resources to help prevent someone from taking their own life.

Greene County Veterans Affairs Director Michael Bierl is with the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition and says the group has partnered with the Veterans Affairs suicide prevention program to create a localized version for the general public.

“We’ve had individuals throughout the county in all areas: clergy, mental health, law enforcement, (and) emergency management. Everyone that’s been in these career fields has put together these resources.”

Bierl says the resources range from national and statewide crisis response to local organizations and providers to help those in need. He points out the coalition also provides presentations to businesses upon request.

“Please just give me a call. Someone will come out and do in person talks and cater them to your needs with your employees. They have videos that you can get at anytime, I believe, and we can get them to you that show in-depth and personal interviews with folks that have gone through something like this.”

Anyone can join the coalition at anytime, as the group meets on a monthly basis. The next meeting will be this Wednesday from 10-11:30am from the Sanctuary in Jefferson and there is a remote option. For more information contact Lori Reynolds who is the Suicide Prevention Outreach and Education Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs by emailing her at Lori.Reynolds@va.gov.