September is Suicide Prevention Month

September 1, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County recorded three suicide deaths in 2017 for a rate of 15.1 per 100,000 according to statistics reported by the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.

Unlike previous years, the 2017 report uses crude suicide rates rather the age-adjusted suicide rates. 2017 numbers are the latest for which county-specific figures are available.

The DeKalb suicide rate is below the state average of 17.3 per 100,000 population for 2017.

County Mayor Tim Stribling and Smithville Mayor Josh Miller recently signed a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Month in DeKalb County and Smithville. Jennifer Matthews, Director of the DeKalb Prevention Coalition and Kristi Paling, Regional Coordinator at the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth joined Mayors Stribling and Miller for the signing.

Suicide is the tenth-leading cause of death (2016 data) in Tennessee, claiming over 1,000 lives per year. Roughly 100 of these are between the age of 10-24—suicide is the second-leading cause of death within this age group. Nationally, suicide rates among youth (ages 15-24) have increased more than 200% in the last fifty years. The suicide rate is higher for the elderly (ages 85+) than for any other age group.

Clay County had the highest suicide rate among the fourteen counties of the Upper Cumberland Region and the state at 51.9 per 100,000 with four deaths. Pickett County had the lowest rate in the Upper Cumberland and the state with no reported suicides in 2017.

DeKalb County’s crude suicide rate was at 41.3 per 100,000 with 8 deaths in 2016 and at 26.1 per 100,000 with 5 deaths in 2015. The rate was 15.6 per 100,000 with 3 deaths in 2014, 15.7 per 100,000 with 3 deaths in 2013, and 15.9 per 100,000 with 3 deaths in 2012.

In almost all cases, suicide can be traced to unrecognized, untreated, or poorly treated mental illness. It can happen to people of either sex, any race or ethnicity, and any economic status. The average suicide death leaves behind six survivors—family and friends of the deceased—all of whom are at increased risk for a suicide attempt themselves. As if the emotional and psychological toll were not enough, suicide and suicide attempts cost the state of Tennessee $1 billion a year in medical treatment, lost wages, and lost productivity.

The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) and its allies in the public health, mental health, and social service fields are joining forces to recognize the month of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During this annual observance, TSPN and its allies arrange several educational and memorial events across Tennessee. These projects help teach the general public about the problem of suicide and how it can be prevented. They also provide an opportunity to remember those lost to suicide; to encourage survivors of suicide, survivors of suicide attempts, and people who have triumphed over mental illness; and to recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to suicide prevention efforts in our state.

Details about the Suicide Prevention Awareness Day observance and other events planned across the state will be announced on the TSPN website (www.tspn.org). Additional information about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is available from the TSPN central office at (615) 297-1077 or tspn@tspn.org.

You can reach out for help and hope by contacting the crisis text line. Simple text “TN” to 741 741.

August 31, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

A Smithville man was arrested in July for breaking into and doing damage to a residence on Page Drive.

35 year old Michael Andrew Snyders, Jr. of West Main Street, Smithville is charged with aggravated burglary and vandalism. His bond is $7,500 and he will be in court September 10.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on July 23 Snyders broke into a home on Page Drive through the front door and vandalized the inside of the residence. Home video surveillance showed him making entry. Damage to the home totaled $1,650. According to the report, Snyders tore up flooring in the closets and bathrooms, pulled up and broke duct work, and tore wires out of the heating and air units.

32 year old Henry Thomas Butler of Chapman Hollow Road, Dowelltown was arrested last month for breaking into a home and garage and stealing several items including a car. Bond for Butler is $25,500 and his court date is October 1. He is charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of burglary, and two counts of theft.

Sheriff Ray said that on August 1 Butler broke into a residence and garage on Chapman Hollow Road. After entering the garage Butler broke into and stole a 1993 Toyota Corolla. Butler also took from the residence two shotguns, two handguns, a leather western gun belt, several power tools, and other miscellaneous items with a total value of $3,790. The car was valued at $2,500. The case was investigated by a detective.

53 year old Dana Seborn Cantrell of Jennings Lane, Smithville is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver and possession of a schedule V drug (Gabapentin). He was further cited for possession of drug paraphernalia (baggies, a straw, pipe, plate, and card used for drugs) and simple possession of a schedule II drug (hydrocodone). His bond is $6,000 and he will be in court September 10.

Sheriff Ray said that on August 28 three detectives conducted a probation search at Cantrell’s home. During the search the detectives found in a bedroom a plate with a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine and a baggie. The total weight of the substance was 0.7 grams. Also found in the bedroom were two scales, 35 Gabapentin capsules, drug paraphernalia, and $140 in cash. A search of the living room turned up a hydrocodone pill in a baggie.

August 31, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

An observance was held Sunday at Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church for International Overdose Awareness Day, an event to kick-off National Recovery Month in September.

While the nation is slowing down during the Covid-19 pandemic, substance-abuse isn’t. That’s why members of the DeKalb County Prevention Coalition in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the DeKalb County Recovery Court say this year’s Overdose Awareness Day was particularly important.

“The goal of this  event is to provide support to individuals who have lost ones to overdoses and then also to educate the public so we can start reducing some of the social stigmas that are attached to a substance use disorder,” said Lisa Cripps of the DeKalb Prevention Coalition.

Part of the event included training in how to administer naloxone, a life-saving drug that can revive someone who has overdosed. Twenty five people took part in the training administered by Suzanne Angel and Colby Lane, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists for the State of Tennessee.  Entertainment was also featured by Seth Willoughby and Colton Rhody.

A candlelight vigil in the church yard was held to remember those lost to overdose. “It was a sweet and spiritual remembrance,” said Cripps.

Lydia Price was invited to speak during the program. She talked about her road to recovery from addiction.

“I started drinking which led to harder drugs. It really took hold of my life. At age 26 I had a beautiful little boy but due to my addiction DCS became involved. I couldn’t stay clean at that time. I was in and out of treatment. Ultimately I went to court after being nine months sober but due to my past and having been in court so much they terminated my (parental) rights. I know God played a part in all of it because that is what it took for me to get clean,” said Price.

“Living in addiction is such a dark place. I lost my family and my home. I was walking to work and riding a bike. It was a hard life. At the time I didn’t realize it but since getting clean, I have my family back and a lot of support. I have been blessed with an amazing job and I have an amazing fiancé. I am thankful for my life today. After losing my son I was afraid that God would never bless me with a family and I had come to terms with that as much as it hurt me. I couldn’t forgive myself. In 2015 before my rights were terminated, I attempted suicide. I woke up in ICU a couple of days later. It helped me get clean. I had to do a lot of therapy to work through that but that’s okay. If you are suffering ask for help. In January of this year I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl. God’s promises ring true. I never thought I would have a family but I do. Its not always easy but God will make a way. I am so thankful for my life today,” said Price.

Colby Lane of the Smith County Prevention Coalition and, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist also talked about his experience with addiction.

“A couple of things stand out in my childhood as indicators as to why I got here. My father was an addict who committed suicide two months before my fourth birthday. From there my mom raised me in church and I got saved when I was eleven. We moved back and forth a lot from Macon County in Tennessee to the suburbs of Dallas Texas. When I was in Dallas I was a country kid who didn’t fit in and when I was in Lafayette I was the preppie kid who didn’t fit in. I struggled with who I was for a long time,” said Lane

“I got in my first relationship in eighth grade. She was the love of my life and the girl I was going to marry but she cheated on me. It was the first time I felt like who I was wasn’t good enough. Later I joined a group of friends who were smoking and drinking and I dove right in. I had been a three sport athlete and made good grades but when I took my first drink and smoked my first joint it led to ecstasy, mushrooms, cocaine, and opiates which was the first thing I could not put down,” Lane continued.

“I battled opiates for seven or eight years until I got to methamphetamines. Amidst all this I got married and had a little girl but my marriage started falling apart which led me further down the road of addiction and to jail repeatedly. The last time I went to jail was November 30, 2017. I was involved in a hit and run that day in Smith County and was on the run. Later that day I was in a police chase in another county where they found meth, marijuana, and scales in my vehicle. When I got to jail it was the first time I submitted myself to God. Inside the jail I started seeing God work in my life. I spent three months in Macon County and then I went down to Smith County where they offered me Recovery Court. That was on February 21, 2018. I started reading my Bible the next day and it changed my life. From there I got into Recovery Court and never had a sanction. I did everything they asked because I was tired of doing things my way,” said Lane.

“I would recommend Recovery Court to anyone because for a person who had been using since my teens, I didn’t know how to be an adult and I needed adults around me to show me how to live. From there I took a job with the Smith County Prevention Coalition which led to my role as a Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist. I have learned that you can go through personal struggles in recovery and maintain your sobriety. The message is hope and the promise is freedom,” said Lane.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event usually held on August 31 each year which aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

Thousands of people die each year from drug overdose. They come from all walks of life. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.
Do you recognize the signs and symptoms of overdose? What is the impact of drug use and overdose on family, friends and those experiencing it?

//www.overdoseday.com/

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