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Coroner Working Toward Prevention After McLean County Suicides

Sander van der Wel
/
Flickr via Creative Commons

It’s a commonly believed myth that the suicide rate increases during the holiday season. But last week, McLean County experienced an unusual uptick: three men took their lives in a 24 hour period. And then 48 hours later, there was one more suicide. Kathy Davis is the McLean County Coroner and is working with social service providers to prevent suicides and has joined the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance. She tells WGLT's Mike McCurdy she's worried by the recent increase.

Kathy Davis is McLean County Coroner, appointed to the position a little more than a year ago after the previous coroner resigned. She’s announced she’s running for the position and faces two opponents in a March primary.

Find immediate help by calling 211 and be connected with trained local counselors at PATH Crisis or use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800 273-8255.  Families can find grief counseling from Collaborative Solutions Institution or ABC Counseling at 309-452-9495, ext. 103.