While the month of September is already National Suicide Prevention month, Mayor Justin Nickels has now made that the case in the City of Manitowoc as well.
At the City Council Meeting on Monday, Mayor Nickels read the proclamation, saying “Suicide is one of the most disruptive and tragic events a family and community can endure. In 2019 Manitowoc County experienced it’s second highest number of suicide deaths in 12 years, with 20 people losing their lives. And, whereas suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34 in Wisconsin, and the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 35-44.”
Then Donna Firman from Prevent Suicide Manitowoc County took the stand and told the story of Kevin Heinz, who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and survived.
“He went on to become an internationally recognized suicide prevention advocate, and he often tells the story of the day he jumped off the bridge,” she explained. “He was on the bridge looking down at the water despondent. Crying. A woman tapped him on the shoulder, and he turned around and he looked at the woman and she said ‘Hey, can you take my picture?’ He said later that if she had said to him, ‘Are you ok? Is there anything I can do to help you?’, he wouldn’t have jumped.”
While the number of suicides in Manitowoc County did drop this year, down to four so far, but as Donna said, “But four people have buried loved ones. It’s ok. It’s not ok until it’s zero, and you can help.”
If you or a loved one is in need of help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
