Local advocate says grassroots efforts key to suicide prevention

A local suicide-prevention advocate says communities need to focus more on early intervention, education and accessible mental health resources — rather than waiting until someone reaches a crisis.

Jo Kleinsorge, a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and a local community advocate, says much of the organization’s work is supported through donations, fundraising and volunteers. She says local fundraising is especially important because communities often have different needs.

Kleinsorge says funding should be directed toward early prevention, education, therapy and research into the causes of suicide.

She says one of the biggest obstacles remains the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.

Kleinsorge says people should view mental health as health care — not as a personal weakness or failure — and seek help before reaching a crisis.

She also says technology has become an important tool for prevention and recovery. Online support groups, video meetings and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can connect people with resources that may not be available locally.

Kleinsorge says that was especially important in her own experience after suicide touched her family.

"I volunteered with the AFSP for about three years and actually came into the organization as a result of losing my husband to suicide," she says. "That's where we find a lot of our volunteers come from and they're our greatest resources."

She says online support helped her connect with other survivors when she struggled to find local resources.

"I think that really the way we're going to increase the accessibility and actually bring numbers down is for the most part, grassroots efforts," Kleinsorge states. "You know, we can wait for the government to come out with programs, but each community's lifestyle is different and it's often up individual communities to come up the resources."

She says social media can also have a darker side, including cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation and stigma.

Locally, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will hold its annual Out of the Darkness Walk Oct. 3 at Landreth Park in Joplin. Kleinsorge says the event raises money for suicide-prevention advocacy and research while also bringing the issue into the open.

She says the ultimate goal is to make suicide prevention a community conversation — one that happens openly, rather than in whispers.

"There are ways that you can get resources out to get better care, to prevent a lot of deaths," she says. "I think a lot of that is getting the stigma gone so that people do seek resources earlier."

Kleinsorge says anyone struggling should remember they are not alone and should keep reaching out for help, even if their first attempt to find support is unsuccessful.