United Counseling Service (UCS) brings community together for a night of sharing and remembrance

United Counseling Service (UCS) hosted its third annual Suicide Awareness Vigil at Lake Paran in North Bennington, VT, on September 27. UCS Medical Director, Alya Reeve, opened the event with a few words, and then invited community members to share stories and memories of those lost to suicide. UCS then led the group in lighting and releasing paper lanterns onto the lake after sunset as symbols of remembrance.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) shows that the statewide suicide rate remains high, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranking Vermont 18^th in the nation. VDH also shows a steep increase in suicide related emergency department visits for Vermonters ages 25-44. UCS’ annual Suicide Awareness Vigil offers a space for the local community to come together during a time of rising mental health and substance use challenges in Vermont and nationwide.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, please call UCS at 802-442-5491 or call/chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. UCS offers 24/7/365 mobile crisis services anywhere in Bennington County.

Suicide prevention resources can be accessed at UCS Resources, nami.org, samhsa.gov, thetrevorproject.org, and 988lifeline.org.