We come to you on behalf of the Concho Valley, which currently finds itself in a state of mental health crisis. Since 1999, Tom Green County has experienced twice the National and state averages of suicides, exceeding 20 deaths to suicide per year.
So far this year, Tom Green County has had 5 confirmed suicide losses. This is a dramatic decrease in comparison to the last 24 years. While we have seen the total number of losses per year decrease since the Zero Suicide initiative started in 2019, West Texas Counseling & Guidance (WTCG) continues to strive towards the goal of not one more loss to suicide, as no loss is acceptable.
Some of the efforts to combat this crisis include WTCG’s crisis appointments available Monday through Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM. These appointments are available at no cost and include safety planning and follow up appointments for all experiencing suicidal ideation. The Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team of Tom Green County has a 24/7/365 schedule of rotating survivors of suicide and mental health professional volunteers to present to the scene of a local suicide loss to support family members who are experiencing this devastating loss. These are only a few of WTCG’s initiatives to help alleviate loss to suicide, including prevention and post-vention for our community and rural areas at large. With the help of local community partners, as in West Texas Rehab, La Esperanza, Shannon Medical Center, MHMR, Angelo State University, San Angelo Police Department, Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department and SAISD, screenings are implemented and resources are provided. We believe these important services are saving lives.
On Saturday, September 9, WTCG will host it’s 8th Annual Principal LED Shine a Light event at the Visitor’s Center downtown San Angelo. Beginning at 7:30 PM, this special evening will include a presentation of hope by Dr. Frank Campbell, memory wall art installation, reading of names and a memorial night walk along a luminary lit path at dusk.
WTCG is committed to providing perfect depression care through the Zero Suicide program and your participation can help save a life! For more information, contact Tiffany Talley at 325-262-0055 or [email protected].
Please CLICK HERE to register for Shine a Light. This is a FREE community event, however, with registration attendees receive t-shirt and luminary to honor loved one.
Registration: $25 per person (includes t-shirt and luminary)
Location: San Angelo Visitor Center, 418 W Ave. B.
When: Saturday, September 9
Time: Begins at 7:30 PM
This event recognizes those survivors that have lost someone to suicide and those lost to suicide. All proceeds go to WTCG's suicide prevention initiatives, such as the Zero Suicide program, LOSS Team of TCG and the SOS Support Group.
Sponsorship opportunities available here.
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS
West Texas Counseling & Guidance, Principal LED, Market Street, KLST / KSAN, UBS, Foster Communications, Art in Uncommon Places and San Angelo Health Foundation