Suicide Prevention Starts with You

September is the month for raising awareness of suicide prevention, a campaign sponsored by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline and supported by mental health advocates across the country.

Swope Health supports the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline and the suicide prevention campaign year-round.

In 2022, in Missouri, the 988 hotline handled more than 38,000 calls, texts and chats. Yet still more than 1,200 Missourians died by suicide in 2022.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Missourians age 18-34. Missouri, with the 19th highest suicide rate in the country, consistently sees suicide rates higher than those in the United States as a whole. In Missouri, 66 percent of suicides involved firearms.

The goal of the suicide awareness prevention campaign is to spread tips and understanding about actions you can take to promote healing, provide help, and give hope to anyone experiencing a crisis.

“A quote I really like says, ‘Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always,’” said Laurie Cox, director of Crisis Services at Swope Health.

“The important thing is to take our eyes off our phones and really look at people,” she said. “Pay attention to those around us. Just acknowledging someone can save a life, can give someone the hope they need to keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

 

The campaign this year, called “Be the 1 to…,” focuses on five specific actions available to everyone.

BE THE 1 TO:

ASK: According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way.” You can be the one to show you care.

 

 

BE THERE: After asking, take the time to listen, without judgment. Just the act of listening can be empowering and reduce feelings of depression. You can be the one who offers that calm path away from being overwhelmed.

 

 

 

KEEP THEM SAFE: You can support a person in crisis by making sure lethal means are not readily available. For someone with suicidal thoughts, the steps required to gain access to locked weapons can be time enough to slow down and refocus.

 

 

HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED: You can help by tapping your network, community resources, and mental health professionals, such as at Swope Health. For someone at risk, knowing that resources are available can be a spark for positive action.

 

 

FOLLOW UP: You can stay in touch and check in with the at-risk individual after the crisis has abated. It can be a phone call or text, just to see how they’re doing. It’s an act of caring that can make a difference.

 

 

 

 

 

HOW WE CAN HELP:

Swope Health provides comprehensive behavioral health services, including crisis intervention, therapy, substance use treatment and an array of programs to assist with transportation, housing, nutrition, healthcare, education and employment. We also have a mobile unit that provides services in the community.

Call 816-922-1070 to request an appointment or more information. Swope Health has a walk-in process for new clients, Monday-Friday from 8 am to 3 pm.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts, call 988. This is a 7X24 free emergency line for access to a trained crisis counselor.

FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE PREVENTION

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

  • Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • In 2021, more than 48,000 Americans died by suicide.
  • In 2021, firearms accounted for 54 percent of suicide deaths.
  • 94 percent of Americans believe suicides can be prevented.

It starts with you! Learn more about steps you can take to help anyone coping with a crisis.

Swope Health supports gun safety with free gun locks, lockboxes

Swope Health is now offering free gun locks or lockboxes to anyone interacting with its Crisis Services team.

The gun-safety initiative is a response to increasing rates of suicide in the United States and the recognition that firearms were used in more than half of all suicides. Studies show an alarming increase in suicide deaths among Black youth and adolescents; at the same time, Americans are buying guns at roughly twice the level of 15 or 20 years ago.

The gun lock and lockbox giveaway is also in response to alarming gun violence in Kansas City, which is contributing to a new record of homicides in 2023. As of July 24, the city has seen 114 homicides, according to the Kansas City Police Department. There have also been more than 265 non-fatal shootings.

Examples of two types of gun locks available from Swope Health – a cable lock, left, and a trigger lock.

The Swope Health mobile outreach unit carries two types of gun locks and two models of lockboxes for free distribution. The goal is to keep guns safely out of reach from persons who may have suicidal or homicidal thoughts, said Laurie Cox, Director of Crisis Services at Swope Health.

Examples of two types of lockboxes offered by Swope Health, designed for securing firearms, but can also be used to secure sharps or medications.

“We know that if we can encourage a person in crisis to slow down, to shift their focus elsewhere, the moment of crisis can pass,” she said.  For example, she said, one client has taped photos of family members on the gun lockbox, so whenever there’s temptation to act with the gun, they first encounter beloved images that spark a different emotion.

“Anything that can shift focus can help slow down the access to the gun and maybe prevent violence,” she said.

The Swope Health program is funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, as part of the national rollout of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Swope Health is part of the network of caregivers supporting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The 988 lifeline, which launched just one year ago in July 2022, is a three-digit phone call that works in the same way as 911. When you dial 988, you will be connected with a crisis counselor trained to provide care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.  Organized by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services through its Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the program can assist with thoughts of suicide, substance use crisis, trauma, or other emotional distress.

A regular part of the work of the Crisis Team is to reduce access to lethal means, such as firearms, sharp objects and medications. Case managers, therapists and members of the crisis team routinely talk with families about how to remove those lethal items when caring for someone struggling with suicidal or homicidal thoughts.

The guidance uses an approach known as CALM, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, which has been proven effective.  Case managers create a specialized and personalized safety plan for each client, and educate the family and support structure on the evidence behind the approach.

Swope Health joins other organizations, including the Kansas City Police Department, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and Grandparents for Gun Safety, a local non-profit, in offering free gun locks. There are several programs at other organizations around the country as well.

For more information or to request a gun lock or a lock box, please call the Swope Health Crisis Team at 816-599-5630.

Discovering Purpose in Fatherhood

New Imani House program, Father Focus, Guides Men to Becoming Better Fathers

Father Focus is a new six-week peer counseling program at Imani House, designed to help men build better relationships with their children. The current program has about 20 participants and celebrated its first graduation on June 1.

The Father Focus program combines an evidence-based curriculum with group discussion and counseling, said Frederick Wilson, Peer Specialist for Substance Use Disorders. Wilson, who launched the empowerment program, is also a pastor, a Child Protective Services worker, Certified Associate Alcohol & Drug Counselor II, and a Medication-Assisted Recovery Specialist.

Wilson uses his many professional certifications and training in the Father Focus program, but he also draws upon his life experiences, including 23 years in prison for 53 felonies to address a need: men fulfilling their roles as fathers.  “The greatest epidemic is not AIDs, racism or opioids,” he said, “but absentee fathers. What are we doing to address this?”

The first graduating class of Father Focus at Imani House.

One of the core goals of the program is teaching men new skills.

“I want these men to pay attention to what’s inside,” he said. “You’ve got to learn to love yourself, see yourself as valuable.”  Wilson notes that the men in the program, all from Imani House, face daily challenges of addictive behavior and varying experiences of trauma.

Wilson is a role model for the men, speaking openly about his personal experiences – the stubbornness, tough-guy bluster and violence that led him to jail. “I wouldn’t quit,” he said. He points to a mug shot on his office door – a smiling closeup, full of bravado, with the caption “Eastern Reception – Bonne Terre, Missouri #535364” and the date 04/26/13. Just above the mug shot, however, is a more recent photo of Wilson – again smiling, but this with kindness and sparking eyes, and wearing a tuxedo.

He uses the photos in talking with the Father Focus participants. The photos show the juxtaposition of the times of Wilson’s life, and his evolution to man of faith, integrity, and wisdom. He explains how an FHA home loan application rejection gave him cause to celebrate, for it told him why the application was rejected and he clearly saw what he needed to do to get an approval.

He looks for life lessons in every encounter, and he shares his personal story to illustrate the power of believing in yourself. It resonates with the men in the program, who know they can share anything with him, know they can trust him as he helps them identify destructive patterns in their lives.

Ron Carr, a graduate of the Father Focus program

Ron Carr is a Kansas City native with more than 20 years’ experience in a high-stress corporate role, which produced cycles of addiction and depression.

“Throughout my addiction, I was not a communicative father,” said Carr, a member of the Father Focus inaugural graduating class. “I did child support, but I got away from communicating with my two daughters.”

He credits Wilson with helping him change his mindset, with deep engagement and trust. “Frederick was the first person here I met. He saw something in me.”

Wilson uses his stories and guides the men in the Father Focus program. “We talk and give therapy to each other,” Carr said. “He taught us to be open.”

Taking the program to heart, Carr decided to lead by example. He asked to spend Thanksgiving with his family, two daughters, age 34 and 33, and their children. He asked them to talk, to really unload how they felt about him, and he promised to listen.

“It took a man to sit there,” he said. “It was hard, and we all shed tears.”

Carr said he wanted to show that he is willing to change to be a part of their lives. And his life has changed since then, he said.

The bonds of trust are building, he said, noting with some surprise that now his daughters call him and he receives texts and photos from the grandkids. “These are grown women who will call me to talk about issues and problems, and I’m there to receive. I’m totally involved.”

He continued: “This program taught me to be the person I wanted to be with my children.”

Joe Vesper Owen III, a graduate of the Father Focus program

Joe Vesper Owen III is another member of the inaugural Father Focus graduating class who’s building a new chapter with his family.

“It completely changed the way I talk to them, the way I treat them, the way I react to them,” he said about his grandchildren. Owen said he never had much presence in the lives of his children and saw that his three grandchildren now faced the same situation without fathers being present.

Father Focus taught Owen how to play with and talk with his three grandsons, ages 7, 4 and 3. “I never knew how negative swear words can be on growing minds,” he said, noting that he is breaking habits of cursing, like threatening a “whupping.” He slipped once, with the youngest and apologized, asking the little one to help him change.  The child responded with love.

“I am so very grateful for what this program has taught me. I’m able to break the cycle,” he said. “My grandchildren — they are my purpose.”

Owen, who lives in Oak Grove, credits Imani House with helping him gain his self-respect and a new attitude. “I am a different person, inside and out. I am learning who I am, and my gratitude is immeasurable.”

Frederick Wilson holds his award for “Professional of the Year” from First Call, a non-profit agency that provides clinical, educational, and prevention services to individuals impacted by substance abuse disorder.

Swope Health Imani House, 3950 E. 51st St., Kansas City, offers adult substance abuse treatment programs for Missouri residents 18 and older. The Imani House provides pre-admission assessments for substance abuse, behavioral risks for HIV, TB, mental health issues, and non-emergency medical conditions.

Imani House clients receive services including counseling and case management, medication-assisted treatment, and a wide range of social service programs and referrals to help break the cycle of addiction. These additional programs include continuing recovery support services to assist with child-support payment issues, job placement, transportation, housing, and individual needs.  

For more information about Imani House or the Father Focus program, call (816) 599-5960.

Addressing mental health stigma with RESPECT

We all want to be treated with dignity, including those who have ongoing mental health issues.

This truth led Joel Slack, mental health advocate, to found the RESPECT Institute, which trains individuals with mental health illnesses to share their personal stories of recovery with public audiences. The goal is to foster a better public understanding and remove stigma of mental health challenges, including substance use.

The RESPECT Institute started in Kansas City in 2010 with Trena Fowler, Rehabilitation Director at the Center for Behavioral Medicine; Kellie Sullivan, Director of Crossroads Group Home; and Ruthe Workcuff, Case Manager at Swope as the facilitators. Ruthe continues to work as a facilitator training program participants; Trena & Kellie are now advisors.

RESPECT Institute speakers provide inspiration and hope. They knock down the stigma behind mental illness with each group they present to.

“These speakers are willing to share their stories to help others who may encounter similar obstacles,” said Mark Miller, Executive Vice President of Behavioral Health at Swope Health. “Swope Health is proud to support the RESPECT Institute.”

Ruthe has been an associate with Swope Health for more than 30 years. She has been featured in various magazines (including the September issue of Our Health Matters) and been on numerous panels.  What she does the best is make care visible.

RESPECT speakers are available to present to large and small groups — high school classrooms, civic organizations, church groups, hospital groups, auxiliaries, law enforcement and emergency personnel, mental health professionals and advocacy groups. If you would like to become a speaker or have a speaker to come to your organization to share their story, please contact Ruthe Workcuff at RWorkcuff@swopehealth.org or 816-599-5291.

 

An example of a RESPECT speaker and her story:

Ms. Adrian grew up in poverty in Chicago, Illinois. She had an alcoholic mother and a heroin addict father. It was so bad she ran away from home when she was 13 years old. Being out on the streets led her to trouble with the law and going to prison several times. Adrian didn’t realize that she had a mental health issue. At her last prison stay in Iowa, she got help with anger management and learned tips on re-entering the population. She got tired of going in and out of prison. Adrian learned that she could not mix street drugs with her mental health prescriptions, and that she needs to stay on her mental health meds. She has now been clean and sober for 22 years. She is planning to leave Kansas City to go to Texas where she has a son in prison. Adrian plans to volunteer at the Salvation Army to work with homeless women and share her story to help others.

The Suicide Lifeline is now 988

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is changing to a simpler, shorter number – 988. Starting on July 16, 2022, to reach the hotline you will be able to call 988 instead of 1-800-273-8255.

The new three-digit code works in the same way that 911 works for an emergency hotline, reaching local resources wherever you are in the country.

“We’ve been working with partners across the state to prepare for this since it was approved in 2020,” said Mark Miller, executive vice president of Behavioral Health at Swope Health. The Missouri Mental Health network of providers, law enforcement and a wide variety of other agencies have been preparing for and have created a strong partnership to implement the new 988 system.

“This program will strengthen and transform crisis care in the United States,” Miller said. “This easy-to-remember number is going to save lives.”

When you dial 988, you will be connected with a crisis counselor trained to provide care and support for anyone experiencing mental-health related distress.  Organized by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services through its Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the program can assist with thoughts of suicide, substance use crisis, trauma or other emotional distress.

The National Suicide hotline was launched in 2005 and later expanded to include Spanish language support, text messages and a chat function, receives 3.3 million calls. There are around 200 local and independently owned crisis centers that support the network.

You can call, text or chat to the 988 code. The number is available to anyone, including people who may be worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

The 988 lifeline is free and confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The service is available in Spanish and includes translation support for 150 languages.

“We know there’s a tremendous need for crisis support,” Miller said. “In the US, there’s one death by suicide about every 11 minutes. There’s so much pain and trauma, and we know the pandemic has only made it worse.”

According to federal research, suicide is a leading cause of death for those age 10-34. Research shows that suicide hotlines save lives and can contribute to reducing the estimated $34 billion in annual medical and work-loss costs of suicide in the U.S.

The Healing Powers of Art

The young man appeared a reluctant participant in the Swope Health arts program, led by Carolyn Graves, artist and Community Support Specialist, in the Adult Community Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program.

The art program is a way to teach coping skills to individuals overcoming substance use or other behavioral health issues. Most of the other day program participants were chatty and engaged, especially as Carolyn continually challenged her class to try new techniques of artistic expression.

But throughout four-day-a week Zoom classes, this young man stayed silent as he worked, answering with a nod or shrug only. After speaking with the young man’s mother and Community Support Specialist, Carolyn understood that the silence was a behavior of his choosing, not caused by a physical limitation.

When the art program resumed in-person sessions, the young man came to class but remained silent.

Until one day: while Carolyn was intently explaining a technique known as Aboriginal dot painting, he turned to her and said, “I got it.”

Carolyn considered it a breakthrough – and one more example of the healing influence of art.

“Art is a great coping skill,” Carolyn said. “It literally diverts your attention from yourself to focus on something bigger. Art has a fundamental power of expression.”

The art program offers a safe space for participants to learn new skills – whether drawing, creating with papier-mâché, coloring or painting – while sharing time and experiences with others. The class is set up for no more than 16, to allow Carolyn plenty of time with each participant. There are no demands on the participants, other than engaging their own creativity.

Carolyn Graves demonstrates how to use newspaper in the first step of creating a papier-mâché heart decoration.

 

Carolyn shows a finished wall hanging of her own design.

Carolyn noted her silent student has begun becoming more expressive, while also taking greater pride in his work. “Best in class,” she says.

His mother is delighted at the progress. She said he has indicated an interest in visiting museums and she is starting to imagine him working, perhaps in a framing studio.

“He has come so far,” she said. “I’m amazed and so grateful for this program.”

 

If you’d like to support the art therapy program, visit the Swope Health Amazon Smile Wish List page to donate supplies. 

Swope Health celebrates a Mental Health Champion

Each year, the state of Missouri’s Department of Mental Health selects three individuals to receive an award as a “Mental Health Champion.”

The award recognizes an individual living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or in recovery for substance use disorders.  This distinguished award is presented to individuals who make a positive contribution to their community, exemplify commitment and resiliency, and whose actions have increased the potential for independence in others with similar challenges.

Swope Health is proud to announce that William Chaney, a Peer Specialist at the Imani House, is one of the 2022 winners. He received his award at a celebration May 2 in Jefferson City, MO.

The award program shared his story:

William began using alcohol and drugs early on and continued to use for several years of his life despite the hardships he experienced. In July 2009, he made the courageous decision to enter treatment.

Mr. Chaney entered Swope Health’s Imani program to learn a new approach to life, because in his words, “he was tired of being ugly.” His graduation from treatment did not mark the end of his journey, but the beginning.

After graduating, Mr. Chaney showed up every day, volunteering countless hours to help his peers, clean the building, and provide support with no compensation. He would tell staff, “You are going to hire me one day,” even though there were no job openings.

After 5 years of volunteering, he was hired as Imani’s first Peer Support Staff where he has now worked a total of 12 years and is the head of the Imani Alumni Program.

Recovery is Mr. Chaney’s passion, and he lives it every day. He displays a positive attitude, going above and beyond, and using his story and the “Truth about Drugs” curriculum to show clients and youth in the community that they can overcome any addiction and become productive members of society.

“Mr. Chaney has a big heart, but his passion for recovery is bigger.”

After receiving his award, Swope Health hosted a reception for him, too, giving colleagues a chance to celebrate with him.

Congratulations, Mr. Chaney.

Mr. Chaney, center, with members of the Imani House team, and with his family.

Swope Health Presents at 2021 Mental Health KC Conference

Swope Health’s Terri Cooley-Bennett will deliver a presentation on “Trauma and Suicide” at the 2021 Mental Health Kansas City Virtual Conference on May 6-7.

Suicide rates have increased rapidly in Missouri, as well as nationwide. This workshop examines the link between trauma and suicide. There is significant evidence that traumas in childhood (Adverse Childhood Experiences) increase the likelihood of issues later – such as clinical depression, substance-use disorders, chronic health conditions and suicide. The workshop will explore best practices and treatments and will include resources on self-care to address vicarious trauma.

The conference is sponsored by the Metro Council of Community Behavioral Health Centers. This event marks the sixth year of the conference, which is expected to draw hundreds of professionals including local business leaders, educators, first responders, government leaders, mental health professionals, healthcare workers and members of the community.

The event is held to coincide with Mental Health Awareness month in May. The goal of the awareness campaign is to reduce the stigma of mental illness and elevate mental health dialogues in the workplace.

Cooley-Bennett is the Outreach Services manager for Swope Health. She is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed specialist clinical social worker, a certified co-occurring disorders professional-diplomate, and a tobacco treatment specialist.

She is experienced as a presenter, workshop leader, and educator and served as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Cooley-Bennett speaks and serves on the board of the Missouri Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

The Metro Council of Community Behavioral Health Centers is a collaboration of nine community behavioral health centers serving Metropolitan Kansas City. Keynote speakers will talk on Trauma and Social Justice/Racial Equality.  There is a $50 fee for the conference. Register here.

 

“Tools 2 Thrive” Resources
from Mental Health America

While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. The Tools 2 Thrive series provides information, tips, and practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency.

A Second Chance – A Welcome Diversion

Recently, a small group of nine Kansas City residents got together on a virtual meeting with Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jean Peters Baker, Rev. John Miles of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and representatives of Swope Health.

The occasion was a celebration, marking the first graduating class to successfully complete a new counseling program. As a result of completing the program, criminal charges pending against these nine residents were dropped.

The program is called NewStart2020. It is an idea launched in November by the Jackson County Prosecutor to help offenders avoid criminal charges. In this new diversion program, up to 60 non-violent felony offenders are asked to complete 20 hours of counseling, with additional support. If they complete the program, their non-violent felony charges (such as drug possession) are dropped.

The nine participants all received certificates of completion of the program’s counseling services, provided by Swope Health and modeled on Swope Health’s Imani House drug treatment programs.

Program leaders congratulated the participants as Prosecuting Attorney Baker pronounced the charges would not appear on their records. “I’m proud of you,” she said.

“Go forward, go forward, go forward,” said Swope Health President and CEO Jeron Ravin.

“I am grateful for program, and grateful for all of you who worked so hard,” said Rev. John Miles. “Now that you’ve got a new start, move forward in a positive way.”

In the program, Swope Health delivers the services at the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church community center, which also provides case management, food and other support.

This program is similar to drug diversion, which is run through the Jackson County Drug Court. In the drug diversion process, cases are diverted after charges are filed. A judge oversees the case, and the entire process can take 12 to 18 months to complete.

The new pilot program is different in that it is a diversion before charges. Eligible participants are facing non-violent felony crimes, and will have the chance to wipe that arrest away by completing the 20-hour program. Persons charged with violent crimes, including domestic abuse or sex crimes, are not eligible.

The program leaders are now working on scheduling the next session and growing the participation, to help members of the community get a second chance.

In Stressful Times, Just Ask: Show Me Hope

These are stressful times.  COVID-19 affects everyone: Your neighbors, friends, colleagues, community, children, elder adults, family – even you.

If you need help coping, Swope Health is here for you.  We mean it when we say we’re in this together! We’ll help you learn new coping skills, provide information to keep you and your family safe, and connect you with the resources you need.

Call Swope Health’s Missouri Show Me Hope Crisis Line at 816-321-3613.  The crisis counseling program is confidential and free.

Some Quick Tips for Managing Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic:

  • Take time away from news reports and social media to focus on things in your life that are going well and that you can control.
  • Talk to family and friends. You can still stay connected while physically distancing from others. Remember, others may also be experiencing stress about the pandemic and may find it helpful to talk about experiences and feelings.
  • Pay attention to your body. Recognize the early warning signs of stress and take time to renew your spirit through meditation, prayer, reflection or helping others in need.
  • Keep stress under control by exercising, eating healthy, reading or using relaxation techniques such as yoga.

Show Me Hope is a Crisis Counseling Program offered through the Missouri Department of Mental Health with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additional resources: