The Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition sponsored a free fishing event at the Finger Pier next to Hot Waters 1104. W. First St.
The event was open to families of all ages and skill levels.
Fishing equipment, instructions and activities were provided at no cost, plus Maria’s Ice Cream Wagon passed out free ice cream to everyone who attended.
Residents participating in the free fishing event sponsored by the Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition at the Finger Pier next to Hot Waters 1104. W. First St. in Lorain. (Bob Stascak – For The Morning Journal)
The event also focused on mental wellness, suicide prevention awareness and community connection.
“We are working to break down the stigma about mental health in Lorain County,” said Rebecca Jones, chair of the Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition. “We had asked the Department of Natural Resources about the possibility of doing a fishing event here in Lorain, and this event was approved.
“We are working with professionals and with business people to help get the word out that it is alright to talk about suicide.”
Jones said around 140 people participated in the event.
Lorain County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Holmes at an information table during the free fishing event at the Finger Pier next to Hot Waters 1104. W. First St. in Lorain. (Bob Stascak – For The Morning Journal)
“I hope will become an annual event,” she said.
There were many informational tables set up with pamphlets for the Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board, Veterans Crisis Line, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Lifeside Ohio, Lorain County Children and Families First Council, Lorain County Care Connection Respite Program, Lorain County Metro Parks and more.
Peggy Baron, community relations officer with the MHARS Board, said she had many informational pamphlets at her table, plus free items, including a cell phone holder similar to a PopSocket that adheres to the back of your cell phone.
Pamela Koutsaftis, director of business development at Clear Vista Behavioral Health Hospital, 3364 Kolbe Road, Suite 100 in Lorain, spoke about the many programs that are available, such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis and substance use disorder.
Rebecca Jones, chair of the Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition, posing for photo during the free fishing event at the Finger Pier next to Hot Waters 1104. W. First St. in Lorain. (Bob Stascak – For The Morning Journal)
There is a partial hospitalization program with 52 beds available, plus an intensive outpatient program for those who need assistance, Koutsaftis said.
Walk-ins or referrals are welcome, she said.
Lorain County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Holmes was at the Sheriff’s Office information table.
“We are working with the MHARS Board to help people get the resources and the help that they need rather than put them in jail,” Holmes said.
