Author: Robert Freehill

St. Tammany Outreach for the
Prevention of Suicide
(STOPS)
SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

STOPS was formed as a private non-profit organization in December of 2001. The organization is comprised entirely of volunteers who are committed to providing community programs in an effort to lower the suicide rate in the parish as well as to ameliorate the sting of the loss of a loved one to suicide. At the time of the creation of STOPS, St. Tammany had one of the highest suicide rates in the state. St. Tammany parish continues to have one of the highest rates in Louisiana, over 18% above the state average.
The STOPS organization is overseen by an active volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from various professions including law enforcement, mental health, social services, the legal profession and others interested in guiding the mission of STOPS.
STOPS also offers many programs to the citizenry of St. Tammany in an effort to decrease the loss of lives from suicide. These programs are listed below.
Local Outreach to the Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Team-This program provides immediate hands-on assistance to those newly aggrieved by the loss of a loved one to suicide. A survivor of suicide is defined as anyone who has lost a loved to suicide. Two STOPS volunteers, many of whom are suicide survivors themselves, go to the scene of every suicide in the Parish to provide comfort and support, to share their experience and knowledge with the new suicide survivors, and to assist in any fashion deemed appropriate. Information and resources are given to the new survivors.
Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Support Group - Research has shown that every suicide leaves at least 6 survivors. A suicide survivor is defined as anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. This support group meets twice a month on the west side of the Parish at First Baptist Church n Mandeville. The group meets every second and fourth Monday of the month. Please call Pat Mashburn at 225-276-0266, for more information.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) - This program provides training for caregivers seeking to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Participants often include: people concerned about family or friends, emergency service workers, counselors, teachers, ministers, mental health practitioners, law enforcement workers and community volunteers. The emphasis is on suicide first-aid. This is a full two-day intensive course taught by 2 to 3 trained staff. The course is approved by the NASW-LA Chapter for 12.5 CEU clinical credits. For dates and times please visit our website at www.stops-la.com , email stops.la@gmail.com or call 985-237-5506.
Suicide Community Awareness - STOPS can provide suicide awareness and prevention programs by speaking to churches, groups, organizations, businesses, agencies, etc. To schedule an awareness presentation please call 985-237-5506.
safeTALK is a suicide alertness program that prepares community members of all kinds to be suicide alert helpers in only a few hours. safeTALK participants are aware that opportunities to help a person with thoughts of suicide are sometimes missed, dismissed, and avoided. Participants will learn the TALK steps, (Tell, Ask, Listen, KeepSafe) and can take a vital step in linking those people who experience suicidal ideation with caring community members who are trained in suicide intervention skills. Being trained in this process can assist in saving lives in our communities. safeTALK is designed to be used in organizations and communities where there are caregivers who have been trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
Counseling is available through the St. Tammany Community Health Center in Slidell and Covington. Counseling is provided on a sliding scale. There are LCSWs on staff as well as a psychiatrist. The Slidell clinic serves the east side of the parish and their phone number is 985-607-0400. The Covington clinic serves the west side of the parish and they can be reached at 985-400-5340. The Washington Parish Community Health Center is also available for residents of Washington Parish. They are located in Bogalusa. Please call 985-730-7310 to schedule an appointment.
If STOPS can ever be of any service to you, your agency or organization, or if you wish to volunteer your services or to donate to STOPS, please call (985-237-5506). You may also write to us at: 427 North Theard St, Private Mail Box 500, Covington, LA 70433 or email us at stops.la@gmail.com. Please visit our website at www.stops-la.com.

Page 2

STOPS 427 N. Theard Street, Private Mail Box # 500, Covington, LA 70433
Telephone (985) 237-5506,
Visit our website at http://www.stops-la.com or email stops.la@gmail.com