Vigil to honor suicide victims Saturday at Poplar Bluff VA hospital

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- More than 90 people across the United States will take their own life today, according to the most recent information from the Centers for Disease Control. Within Missouri, one person dies nearly every 11 hours from suicide.

Recognizing the grief and isolation felt by those left behind, John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will hold a candlelight vigil on Saturday, which is International Survivors of Suicide Day.

It will begin at 6 p.m. with a speaker in the facility's main lobby, and close with the lighting of candles outside. Participants will be able to share stories of loved ones they have lost and have a moment of silence in support of those who are grieving.

"This event is for people who have lost loved ones, or anyone to suicide," said organizer Hollie Hudlow. "We hope others, even if they haven't lost someone to suicide, will also come in support."

The death of someone because of suicide can leave friends and family members with so many questions they will never be able to answer, Hudlow said, including, "What could I have done?"

Survivors also often feel a stigma when someone dies due to suicide and can be uncomfortable talking about their death, she said.

"It can be a really lonely and bewildering feeling," Hudlow said. "They may not really have an outlet to share their grief.

"This is a way for us to try to meet the need we have seen. People need this support."

Retired mental health worker Dora Cole will speak Saturday to provide information on services available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Cole is a board member for the Missouri chapter.

"We have a lot of programs not only for veterans, but for their families," said Cole, who comes from a family of veterans, including her husband, father and grandfather. "There is a tremendous amount of programming and people should not be afraid to ask for help."

The CDC reports suicide is the 11th leading cause of death for all ages in the United States, Hudlow said.

The VA hopes to make this an annual event to support survivors of suicide.

For more information about the vigil, contact Hudlow at 573-778-4137.

Pertinent address:

1500 N. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO