On Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 1:00 p.m., the Williamson County Mental Health Committee will unveil its new mental health website, www.wilcomentalhealth.org. The official launch party will take place at the Children’s Advocacy Center, 1811 S.E. Inner Loop, Georgetown, and is being held in recognition of the upcoming National Suicide Prevention Week, September 6-12.
This comprehensive, 24-hour a day resource was designed to offer quick and easy access to mental health services and information. Wilcomentalhealth.org includes links to the best local crisis services, helplines, social services, veteran’s services and much more. The site also offers information on disorders ranging from depression to bipolar disorder.
The public is welcome to take part in the launch, which will give participants the opportunity to lift someone’s spirit through the Hope is in the Cards program. This program encourages people to send a note of thanks or encouragement to someone they know. Attendees can write notes of encouragement to give to someone they know or the notes will be collected to be distributed to those in need of hope. In addition, a short Web site demonstration will be given by County Commissioners Lisa Birkman, Precinct 1, and Valerie Covey, Precinct 3, as well as Anne Burwell, with the Williamson County Mobile Outreach Team (MOT).
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, Andrea Richardson with Bluebonnet Trails Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) and the parents of Cpl. Chad Oligschlaeger will speak about suicide prevention. Mr. and Mrs. Oligschlaeger will tell their personal story of their efforts to help soldiers with post traumatic stress disorder following the suicide of their son.
Suicide Prevention Week is a national event to raise awareness about suicide and suicidal behaviors and to celebrate the efforts of all who are working to prevent suicide. According to the American Association of Suicidology, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in America, with an average of one suicide occurring every 15.8 minutes. In addition, suicide rates typically increase in times of war and economic crisis. Suicide occurs across all ethnic, economic, social and age boundaries. Approximately 811,000 Americans attempt suicide each year and an estimated 5 million Americans are survivors of the suicide of a friend, family member or loved one.