Suicide has also affected my community. Gallia County has personally had many suicides in our area. Gallia County is so small that all the suicides in the county are all people everyone knows. We are such a close-knit community that every death impacts us in such a devastating way. However, the fact it has been occurring more recently, has shined light on mental health. Mental health is becoming a topic that is more acceptable to discuss.
One way these deaths have affected our communities is by making this topic more relevant. More people are starting to discuss this topic. Therefore, people are starting to be able to find and give our community more resources. Teachers and parents are now getting more training on how to find the signs of suicide in our youth. This is important to know because we are able to help those who are silently suffering and feel like they cannot talk to anyone about it.
Another way it has affected our community is by the outpour of love and support. There has been many groups and events arise from these situations. One event includes the University of Rio Grande. This event is held annually and is called the Out of the Darkness Walk. Another local event is the Hometown Event. This is an event created by my friend, Devin Henry, who has also been affected by this issue. Along with the events, there is a local group who are advocating for this issue in our areas. This group is called Gallia CPR Suicide Prevention.
The Story is Not Over 
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