Princeton, WV (WOAY) – The Mercer County Sheriff’s Department is working with multiple agencies to promote suicide prevention.
According to a media release from Community Connections, in an effort to raise awareness of mental health resources in West Virginia, Community Connections and the Mercer County Coalition for Healthy Communities are joining with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department to place 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline decals on all sheriff’s department cruisers. This initiative also coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
By adding 988 branding to its fleet, it sets a powerful precedent for integrating mental health outreach into public safety efforts. It also marks the first time a sheriff’s department in West Virginia has added this type of branding to its fleet.
A special ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 5th at 11:00 AM at the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department to cement the newly formed partnership. During the event, coalition members and representatives from Community Connections will make a formal presentation of the 988 decals to Sheriff’s Department officials.
“By placing these decals on patrol vehicles, we’re sending a clear message to the community: help is always available, and it’s okay to reach out,” said Candace Harless, Chairperson of the Mercer County Coalition for Healthy Communities. “We’re proud to work with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department to promote this life-saving resource.”
Event organizers say the partnership is part of a broader initiative by the Mercer County Coalition for Healthy Communities to foster awareness and increase access to mental health support across the region.
Community Connections invites members of the public to attend the decal presentation ceremony on May 5th to show support for mental health awareness and the power of collaboration in saving lives.
For more information, please contact Community Connections Communications Manager, Callie Lamb at 304-961-6522. callie.lamb@strongcommunities.org
