Dear Editor:

I want to thank Sarah Foulger, Chief Bob Hasch, the clinical staff at LincolnHealth and the Coulombe Center, Boothbay Region Community Resources Council, NAMI, as well as other invested citizens, for their efforts to raise the community’s awareness of the recent increase in suicide on our peninsula. Hats off to all of them for their efforts to identify the underlying causes and possible resources to address this huge humanitarian and economic issue in our community.

We all know that drugs are one reason for the cluster of suicides in the region; but there may be other underlying factors such as isolation, hopelessness and feelings of worthlessness which create a perfect storm for our neighbors to give up and give in to a remedy that leaves us all hurt and vulnerable.

This small group of community advocates has come together to raise awareness and to bring us all into a community conversation. The anticipated outcome is to identify commonalities in our community and to create new resources for anyone, of any age, who is feeling hopeless and isolated from others.

The meeting, which is open to all, will be on Sept. 11 at 4:30 p.m. at the Boothbay Railway Village. We will hear stories of those who have lived this experience for themselves and with their loved ones. The speakers hope to encourage others to become part of a local plan of action including resources for help. This effort is a vital part of our community and impacts upon the viability of our culture, economic development and educational resources.

Alice Neily Mutch, R.N, M.N.

Southport