About a hundred people in Lane County die by suicide each year, according to public health data. And roughly 2,000 residents try to take their own lives. Now, suicide-attempt survivors are being recruited to share their stories and perhaps save lives.
Roger Brubaker is Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Lane County Public Health. He said anyone who has survived a suicide attempt has a lot to teach.
“Who is able to share stories of suicide with the community-- other than people who have been to those dark places themselves?” Brubaker asks.
The goal of the Survivors Project is to put a face to the statistic and let people who may be thinking about suicide- see that there is hope. The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lane County and Lane County Public Health are spearheading the outreach effort.
Brubaker said participants will work closely with an artist to document their lives through photography and recordings. Final pieces will be featured in galleries and other public spaces.
Brubaker said so far, response to the Survivor’s Project has been strong among women and members of LGBTQ community. He adds they are specifically reaching out to men. Besides males being more likely to die by suicide, Brubaker said men are also less likely to reach out for help-- before attempting to take their own lives. That’s why their stories will so impact this project, he said.
The recruitment and story sharing will be ongoing through 2022. Project participant forms and more information can be found here: lanecountysurvivorsproject.com
If you’re thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255
