September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the group called Community Suicide Prevention has recently finished meeting in six eastern Idaho cities for memorial ceremonies.
The ceremonies are intended to remember and honor the communities’ loved ones left behind after a suicide and to spread awareness and build support in the community.
The ceremonies started Sept. 7 in Rexburg and finished last weekend in Blackfoot.
Administrative assistant Tina Wheatley believes the memorials impact the community and its survivors.
“I think it does quite a bit and especially for the people that are the survivors,” Wheatley said. “They're very appreciative to have something that gives them a chance to honor their loved one without the stigma that's attached to it. We have great support from the cities.”
The memorials were held at the angel hope benches the organization previously dedicated. The benches resemble angel wings with the intent to provide comfort to those sitting in them. American Falls received its first angel bench this month.
“You could sit there and feel like you're getting a hug from the person that you lost,” Wheatley said. “Or if you're someone that's struggling, you can sit there and feel like you're getting a hug from the people that love you and want you to stay.”
You can find more information on events and the angel hope bench’s locations on communitysuicidepreventioneid.org.