Suicide Prevention Websites
Learn more about what you can do to prevent suicide.
Suicide Prevention Efforts in Robertson County
In March of 2024, the Robertson County Health Council was recognized by the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) and the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug, & Other Addiction Services (TAADAS) as a suicide prevention champion in a rural community. As part of this recognition, the Health Council was awarded an ESSENCE grant in the amount of $10,000 to create a Rapid Response Plan. The Health Council established an ESSENCE grant planning committee. This committee was charged with developing a Rapid Response Plan that could be mobilized if ESSENCE reports noted an above-baseline number of people reporting to emergency departments for suicide-related behavior, including suicidal ideation, intentional self-harm, and/or suicide attempts. The Rapid Response Plan involves collaborating with community partners to raise awareness, communicate hope, disseminate available resources, increase available trainings, and provide information that may assist individuals in need.
What is ESSENCE?
ESSENCE stands for the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics. In Tennessee, the Department of Health is using ESSENCE to monitor weekly trends in suicidal behavior and identify regions/counties across the state seeing increased incidents of persons reporting to an emergency department for suicide-related behavior. The ESSENCE alert captures data across the lifespan and covers ages 5 – 17, 18 – 24, 25 – 44, 45 – 64, and over 65 years old. Anyone can receive an ESSENCE alert. To sign up for ESSENCE alerts in your community visit https://tspn.org/essence-sign-up-forms.
Why are suicide prevention efforts important in rural communities?
Research shows that rural communities generally have a higher suicide rate than urban communities. As such, it is important that community partners within rural communities work together to provide information, resources, training, and access to care for individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges so as to prevent suicide.
Reaching ALL of Robertson County
The Health Council wants to bring awareness, resources, and training to ALL of Robertson County. If you have suggestions on how we can reach specific populations within our county, or have ideas on things the Health Council can do in Robertson County to increase awareness and prevent suicide, please join us at the next Health Council meeting and share your ideas with us. The Robertson County Health Council meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Highland Crest Campus (150 Laureate Avenue, Springfield, TN 37172).
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month!
The Robertson County Health Council had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Vogle on September 3rd to collaborate on ways in which the Robertson County Health Council can help promote, resource, and strengthen suicide prevention efforts across our county. We are thankful for community leaders who help us spread awareness, point individuals to available resources, and work together to prevent suicide. We are stronger together. Thank you to the Robertson County Health Department, Robertson County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, Safe Baby Court, Stokes Brown Public Library, Mayor Vogle, CASA of Robertson County, Emergency Medical Services, and Mighty Oak Christian Mental Health Services for joining us today!
The Robertson County Health Council is thankful for Robertson County Mayor Billy Vogle for recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and encouraging all citizens to work to prevent suicide and to raise awareness. Mayor Vogle presented the Health Council with the above signed proclamation during the County Commissioner’s regularly scheduled September meeting.
During the month of September our Health Council took 5 to learn more about how we can save lives and prevent suicide. To learn more about the Take 5 to Save Lives campaign visit www.take5tosavelives.org.
