(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — National Suicide Prevention Week runs through Sept. 10, 2022, and the State of Illinois said it’s planning to use state parks to help those who might be in a mental health crisis.
Signs displaying the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number and website, are being posted in more than a dozen sites in remote locations around the state, including Starved Rock, and Giant City.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said state parks and trails are beautiful, peaceful places, and that spending time in nature has positive mental health benefits. But the informational signs are all about making sure if someone is in a mental health crisis — they know who to contact.
Operation Disrupt is an initiative addressing the growing epidemic of teen and young adult suicides, state officials said.
Although Illinois conservation police don’t track statistics regarding the number of suicides in state parks, officials said many officers will encounter a suicide in a state park at some point in their careers.
The first 17 IDNR sites to post Operation Disrupt signs are: Dixon Springs, Eagle Creek, Fort Massac, Fox Ridge, Giant City, Pere Marquette, Rock Cut, Sangchris Lake, Starved Rock and Wolf Creek state parks; Eldon Hazlet, Kickapoo, Moraine View, and Shabbona Lake state recreation areas; Trail of Tears State Forest; Golconda Marina; and Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255 or by dialing 988, and more information can be found at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Related
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!