Mercy Hospital putting emphasis on prevention during September awareness month

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

Mercy Hospital in Cassville is hoping to spread awareness in September about Suicide Prevention Month, offering resources and help to those who may be struggling or know someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Jess Moppin, office patient coordinator and acting program director for Senior Life Solutions at Mercy Cassville, said according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, about 135 people per day commit suicide in the United States, and in 2022, there were a total of 49,476 suicides and 1.6 million attempts nationwide.

“Our program and the hospital are working together to bring awareness of suicides and encourage education to prevent lives being lost,” Moppin said. “We hope to education people about the signs someone is having suicidal thought or ideations. Suicide Prevention Month provides an opportunity to stop and assess yourself and those around you so those who need help can have access to it.”

Moppin said the month is rooted in compassion, courage, and the reminder that every single life holds irreplaceable worth.

“The truth is, this conversation shouldn’t live in just one month,” she said. “ It deserves space every single day. This month invites us to slow down, to listen more gently, and to show up for one another with kindness. It’s about raising awareness, promoting hope and wellness, and breaking the stigma that has kept too many people silent for too long. It’s about creating a culture where talking about mental health is normal, safe, and encouraged — not something whispered or hidden. 

“Awareness saves lives. Connection saves lives. Kindness saves lives. We can all play a part by checking in on someone, sharing resources, starting conversations, offering a safe space, reminding people that their feelings matter and reminding them that they matter.”

Though she works mainly with the aging population at Senior Life Solutions, Moppin said suicide prevention resources are for all ages, and she is here to help.

Moppin said there are a variety of warning signs people should keep an eye for when it comes to suicide prevention. They include: depression; a history of suicide attempts; a feeling of hopelessness; lack of interest in future plans; loss of independence or purpose, medical conditions that limit function or shorten life expectancy; social isolation; family discord or loss; inflexible personality or struggles with sudden changes; access to lethal weapons; daring or risky behavior; sudden personality changes; verbal threats; or giving away prized possessions.

“If someone is experiencing aggressive signs, like threatening to take their own life, the person hearing that should call 9-1-1 immediately,” Moppin said. “Other than that, we have al list of resources available, or they can contact us for help.

“Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideations should talk to someone — a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a doctor, or a therapist if they have one. We try to encourage people to encourage conversations to bring hope and motivation. It’s OK to talk about it, and we don’t want someone not to reach out from fear of judgment. Our goal is to reduce the stigma.”

To help bring awareness, Cassville Mayor Jon Horner proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in the city, urging residents to educate themselves on mental health conditions and suicide risk, challenge the stigma of mental health, seek help, support organizations that provide mental health services, and create safe and supportive environments. 

Mercy also held a balloon release on Sept. 10, which is National Suicide Prevention Day. After Moppin delivered a speech on suicide prevention, attendees each signed balloons with their names and a message, prayer or words of hope. The group then completed a unity walk around the hospital to help raise awareness. Displays for awareness, staff activities and prize drawings, additional community outreach and a “Hope Grows Here” board are all additional efforts the hospital has completed this month.

Moppin said Mercy does not regularly deal with suicide, but the hospital has had patients with ideations and Mercy helps come up with a safety plan and accessible resources.

“We’ve had people call our program and we can assess them over the phone, and if immediate attention is needed, we will call 9-1-1,” Moppin said. “Our clinical team can decide if they feel the person will not harm themselves, we will make appropriate referrals. I wish we had more mental health resources in Cassville, but the ones we have are accessible.

“If you’re struggling, please hear this: You are enough. You matter. You are not alone. It’s okay to not be okay. Reaching out is strength — not weakness. And if someone you care about seems distant or overwhelmed, your simple “I’m here for you” might be the moment that helps them breathe again. Let’s make this month the beginning of something bigger. Let’s choose compassion every day. Let’s choose conversations every day. Let’s choose hope every day. Let’s choose to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide prevention — not just in September, but always. Together, we can create a community where people feel seen, supported, and safe. Together, we can help hope grow.”

For help, advice or resources, people may reach Moppin at 417-847-6042 or [email protected].

A full list of local, regional and national resources include:

• Senior Life Solutions, Mercy Hospital Cassville, 94 Main St, Cassville, Mo. 65625 – Support program for older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, or emotional challenges often associated with aging: (417)-847-6042

• Clark Center, Cassville, 802 Old Exeter Rd, Cassville, Mo. 65625 – Therapy, psychiatric services, substance use support: (417) 847-5161

• Barry County Crisis Line – Compass Health Network 24/7 Support: (800) 833-3915

• Barry County Health Department, 90 Barry County Dr, Cassville, MO- Public health services, community wellness resources, immunizations, and referrals: 1417) 847-2114

• Cassville Day Program, 900 Main St, Cassville, MO – 24-hour mental health support services: (417) 847-5610

• Andey Hunter Community Resource Center, 505 East St, Cassville, MO- Local nonprotit offering community support, resources, and outreach: (417) 342-9612

• Barry County Family Support Division (OHS) 208 E 8th St, Cassville, MO – Assistance with Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, childcare, and family support services: (855) 373-4636

• Barry County Sheriff’s Office – 94 Barry County Drive, Cassville, Mo. 65625 – Phone: (417) 847-6556

• Burrell Behavioral Health, Springfield – Crisis services, therapy, psychiatry crisis line: (800) 494-7355

• Eustas Psychiatric & Psychological Solutions, Rogers, Ark. – Walk-in psychiatric care – 312 W Southern Hills Blvd., Rogers, Ark.: (479) 326-7090

• Lakeside Behavioral Health, Rogers, Ark. – Inpatient & outpatient services: (479) 631-2130

• Vantage Point Behavioral Health Hospital, Fayetteville, Ark. – Youth & adult inpatient/outpatient: (479) 521-5731

• BetterHelp (Online Counseling Platform) – Virtual therapy with licensed mental-health professionals. Flexible scheduling through video, phone, chat, or messaging Subscription-based service. Not for crisis situations.

Substance Use & Recovery Support

• Heartland Center for Behavioral Change,: 210 W. 8th St., Cassville, Mo. 65625: (417) 872-8246

• Ozark Center Crisis Services – 305 Virginia Ave., Joplin, Mo. 64801 – 24-Hour Crisis line: (800) 247-0661 – Local phone: (417) 347-7720 – Text Support: Text REGISTER to 720-789-8695.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988

• National Mental Health Crisis Line (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741

• Friendship Line For older adults & adults with disabilities: 1-800-971-0016

• Missouri Warm Line Non-crisis emotional support: 1-800-985-5990

• Alcoholics Anonymous – Southwest Missouri – aamjssouri.org

• Narcotics Anonymous –  Ozark Region – ozarkna,org

• Alternatives SATOP (Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program) 46 Main St, Cassville, • Substance-use counseling and state-certified SATOP services: (417) 847-8417.