Groups show support at Stomp Out Suicide event

Though this is the fifth year Susan Moyer has organized the annual Stomp Out Suicide day, the memory of those lost to suicide still remains fresh to many of those visiting the Saturday event at the Hometown Market.

But to Moyer, the purpose of the event isn’t to dwell on the loss felt in the wake of suicide, but coming together to provide resources and support.

“It’s like networking ­— many of those who come out wear shirts or show signs of loved ones lost to suicide. But unlike a candlelight vigil, which is a somber moment, Stomp Out Suicide has been about making connections and fighting the social stigmas surrounding mental health issues and suicide,” Moyer said. “We try not do dwell on the negative emotions … and instead come together as a show of support for one another.”

Stomp Out Suicide, or SOS, was Moyer’s response to when her son Jordan Ebert’s school-aged friend committed suicide five years ago. Since then, she was compelled to spread awareness.

“It affects so many people. There’s an estimated suicide every 10 days in Schuylkill County. When Jordan’s friend committed suicide I knew there was more we could do,” Moyer said. “I wanted to help with the healing. I wanted to be able to show those feeling suicidal it’s OK to ask for help, and for friends and family of those considering suicide how to recognize the signs and reach out.”

This year, there are 15 organizations present to provide resources. Last year’s gathering raised more than $3,000, and Moyer said this year they were looking to breach the $5,000 mark. All money raised is used to fund suicide prevention outreach programming to schools, businesses and the like.

“It started with me, but grew into something so much bigger,” Moyer said. “At first, it was a lot of reaching out to local groups, but now people know who we are and are volunteering their time and stories to help the cause.”

One such group is the Schuylkill Jeep Alliance, with roughly 350 active members. Twenty Jeeps lined the Hometown Market parking lot, with about 50 members sitting out in front. They shared stories to commemorate Jeep Alliance member Bob Paul, who committed suicide last year. The words “We Stomp for Bob Paul” written in white window marker shown prominently on the windshields of several of the Jeeps.

“We’re all touched on a personal level (by suicide),” Jeep Alliance member Nicole Cicero said. “There were signs there that most of us didn’t recognize or Bob hid well. We need more events like these to get people talking about (suicide) and realize how important the conversation is.”

The Alliance members said they are inspired by SOS and hope to create a spinoff event for suicide awareness sometime this July.

In conjunction with SOS, local police and Narcotics Anonymous were out as part of National Drug Take Back Day. Studies show drug use and suicide are correlated, with many suicides and accidental overdoses a bleak result of drug abuse.

Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Sgt. Barbara Szczyglak said the drug take-back program has been successful in the county and though they would only accept at the Hometown Market spot Saturday, the county’s box at the Pottsville Courthouse is accessible every day the building’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the sheriff’s office.

Moyer hopes SOS provides a stress-free environment for people to come anonymously for help.

“A big plus about the atmosphere at the annual SOS event is that it’s a no-pressure situation. People come here know why we’re here and come see what resources are out there anonymously and without commitment,” Moyer said. “I think it’s important that we don’t put people who are considering or have friends considering suicide under a microscope, while saying we’re here if you need us.”