WOODSFIELD — The Hope Alliance is working to prevent suicide by spreading awareness amid National Suicide Prevention Week.

Last week, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners designated Sept. 10 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Day. In honor of the day and to raise awareness of the growing number of veterans and civilians who have died from suicide, a display and information booth were present outside the courthouse Friday.

Hope Alliance member Linda Masters, along with members Pandora Neuhart and the Rev. Susan Lehosky, were outside the courthouse ready to greet passersby and educate them about the need for assistance during Friday’s event. Thirty pairs of shoes and boots lined the courthouse steps to commemorate the number of county residents who have succumbed to suicide since 2010. Out of those 30 residents, 11 were military veterans who were represented at the event by American flags.

“We do work closely with the veterans office to promote their crisis line. They make up a high percentage of our suicides in the county,” Masters said.

Masters said the county averages three to four suicides every year. She said they are hoping to lower those numbers through education. Reaching out to someone in need can help prevent suicide, she said.

“We’re here promoting education and awareness, and just trying to get people to talk. It’s something that people don’t want to talk about, and there’s a lot of stigma out there that if you do talk about it then you’re encouraging someone to complete suicide, but that’s not true. Showing someone you care and are worried about them is the most important thing you can do. If you have a friend you know that’s depressed or you know has regressed, just reach out to them,” she said.

Masters said they recommend residents learn “QPR,” which stands for question, persuade and refer.

— Question — ask the suicide question, “Are you thinking of kiling yourself?”

— Persuade — get the person to talk and to seek help;

— Refer — get the person to professional help. Do not promise to keep secrets about the suicidal ideation.

During the event, residents were offered resources for dealing with depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction. Pamphlets, information and free arm bands were available, as well as drug deactivation bags to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications.

“If you have prescription drugs in your house and you don’t know how to dispose of them — you can open up the bag, put them in and add water, close it up and you’re able to put it in your trash safely,” she said.

Each year since it formed in 2010, the Monroe County Suicide Prevention Coalition holds a different event to help spread awareness. In the past, the group has held candlelight vigils, a Silent Watch event, dinners, and featured guest speakers in an effort to help spread awareness.

“The Silent Watch was very impactful. We had a casket with a flag draped over it. We had veterans and citizens stand with the casket the entire time,” she said.

Neuhart decided to form the coalition after she lost three friends to suicide within a six-month time period. In the past year, the coalition has merged with the Hope Alliance to form one group that focuses on both suicide and drug abuse prevention.

Masters said they will also have an information booth available during the Heroes Day 5K and Wellness Event set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Shadow Lake in Woodsfield.

Crisis counselors are available through the coalition by calling 800-354-4357, or by texting “Hope” to 741741. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a veterans crisis line at 800-273-8255.