ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Six young people under the age of 20 in the Stateline region died by suicide over a 14-day period, according to local suicide prevention advocacy groups and recent reports. The spike in deaths comes during September, which is observed nationally as Suicide Prevention Month.
Local advocacy group Marshmallow’s Hope is emphasizing the necessity of informing the public about crisis support services following the cluster of deaths. Advocates stress that open communication regarding available mental health resources is essential for youth in crisis.
Laura Kane, CEO of advocacy organization Marshmallow’s Hope, noted that the sudden surge in deaths as staggering. “It’s not, you know, the norm to hear such a large number within such a short period of time,” Kane said. “This month is a difficult month.”…