ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Six young people under 20 died by suicide across the Rockford area in a 14-day period, according to local suicide prevention advocates and recent reports. For families trying to make sense of the deaths, a Rockford-area organization says an important step is making sure young people know where they can turn for help.
“It’s not, you know, the norm to hear such a large number within such a short period of time,” said Laura Kane, CEO of Marshmallow’s Hope. “This month is a difficult month.” The deaths occurred in September, which is observed as Suicide Prevention Month.
Marshmallow’s Hope is supporting two of the families affected. Kane said young people can face struggles that adults may not see, whether at home or at school, and cautioned against assuming there is one explanation for what happened…