Norwalk expands suicide prevention efforts with new CDC funding

Norwalk officials are expanding their local suicide prevention strategy following the award of a $40,000 annual grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funding, which began in September 2023, supports a comprehensive program now entering its fourth year.

Community Health Educator Kelley Tomlinson told the Board of Health that the city has conducted more than 60 training sessions since the grant was first awarded. These sessions have trained over 1,300 individuals, including teachers, firefighters, faith-based staff, and youth service providers. Tomlinson said the initiative has helped organizations better connect people in crisis with necessary resources.

Suicide remains the 13th leading cause of death in Connecticut, a state that holds the fourth lowest rate in the nation. However, Tomlinson noted that it is the second highest cause of death for two specific age groups: youth aged 10 to 19 and adults aged 25 to 35. Public surveys cited by Tomlinson indicate that roughly one in five local youth reports experiencing depression or anxiety, while nearly half state they have no support system.

Despite these statistics, Tomlinson reported that depression rates among city youths are decreasing. She added that more high school students are now seeking counseling services at their schools. "People are seeking help, and we are seeing lower rates," Tomlinson said.

Health Department staff are now certified as trainers in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. They have launched more than a dozen community-wide initiatives and participated in nearly 300 other events. The department also developed the city's first postvention plan, which coordinates a response from multiple partners to support families and friends after a death by suicide.

Public signage featuring the 988 Lifeline information has been installed at train stations, on bus exteriors, and at the SoNo Collection. Health board member Dr. Norman J. Weinberger praised the department's progress. "As we're all aware, suicide prevention is a very, very important thing, particularly at this time in our history, as more and more people are put under stress," he said.

The grant supports ongoing awareness campaigns and partnerships with behavioral health experts, healthcare professionals, first responders, and veterans organizations. Staff continue to hold trainings as frequently as possible to help participants recognize warning signs and implement mental health policies.