Suicide Prevention Coalition hosting event at court square
COSHOCTON – Two and a half years ago, Jessica Paynter, a 2010 graduate of River View High School, attempted suicide for the second time. Outwardly, she had a happy life. Her boyfriend had survived a health emergency and she had a beautiful baby girl she adored. On that day, she was thinking about the twins she had miscarried a few years before and decided those babies needed her. Luckily, her boyfriend arrived home in time to call 911 and she is a survivor.
Paynter is the incoming chairwoman of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Coshocton County. On Saturday, Sept. 24, she will be sharing her very personal and inspiring story at an event to bring suicide awareness to our community. Her story will move all who hear it and Paynter hopes that by sharing her story for the first time others will realize it is okay to ask for help – they don’t need to be embarrassed or scared.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Fourth Street side of the court square. Along with Paynter’s story, facts about suicide, including statistics and the signs to watch for, will be shared. Coshocton City Fire Department will have a truck available to explore and Jason Dolick of West Lafayette is bringing his Sprint Cup Race car for fans to view.
Food vendors, including JB Smoking BBQ and Mythical Lunches, will be available and music will be provided by Dan Yingling (ohiovalleymusic.com). Many local businesses have donated raffle prizes. There will something for everyone to enjoy.
Ohio is 39th in the United States in deaths by suicide. The Suicide Prevention Coalition is working to bring awareness to a topic that Paynter believes many people have “super-glued under the rug.” Only by becoming more aware of the signs can we prevent more people from taking this drastic step and the coalition is striving to bring that needed awareness to our area. All proceeds from this event will go to support its efforts.
Category: Clubs & Organizations
