Dearborn County Experiencing Spike In Suicides

By Mike Perleberg (Dearborn County, Ind.) - Suicides are happening more frequently in Dearborn County this year. Dearborn County Coroner Steve Callahan says he has investigated 11 suicides or suspected suicides in the first half of 2017. There were 12 in all of 2016, six in 2015, and four in 2014 and 2013. People are taking their own lives at a startling rate. “For a county with a population of 50,000-plus, absolutely,” says Callahan. In many cases observed by Callahan, the victim has drug abuse issues. There’s another odd trend that sticks out to the coroner. Callahan said there have been six hangings in the county since May 4. Hangings are traditionally rare, he said. “Even the cops who have been on the force for 20 years, they only see a couple hangings in their careers, much less this many in this short amount of time,” says Callahan. The coroner has reached out to other Indiana coroners in hopes of learning if there may be increased hangings elsewhere. He has also asked if there may be something in the media or on the internet that has become a source of inspiration to people thinking of taking their own lives. Callahan said only two of the people who hung themselves within the past two months knew each other, with those two instances occurring at the same location. If you or someone you care about is at risk of committing suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Southeastern Indiana residents can also seek help through Community Mental Health Center, Inc., which offers mental health services to individuals and families in Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties. Learn more at www.cmhcinc.org.