The Berrien County Health Department is leading an effort along with the Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition and other Recovery Oriented System of Care collaborators to raise awareness of the number of suicides and overdose deaths that occurred in Berrien County in 2016 in an effort to prevent further losses of life.

The Recovery Oriented System of Care represents a network of organizations, agencies, and community members that work to coordinate a wide spectrum of services to prevent, intervene in, and treat substance use problems and disorders in Berrien County. Together, these partners are bringing awareness to the unprecedented number of suicides and drug overdose deaths occurring in Berrien County in order to prevent further loss of life by suicide or overdose. In 2016 alone, there were a combined total of 55 deaths due to suicide (21 deaths) and drug overdoses (34 deaths). This equates to more than one preventable death due to suicide and overdose each week.

In order to highlight the tragic loss that this number represents and to honor these 55 lives lost during 2016, the campaign will feature visual markers at high-traffic intersections around Berrien County through mid-May. To further respect the individuals who lost their lives to suicide and drug overdose, the group will host a “1 is 2 Many Life Fest” event for the community from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 21 at the Riverfront Park Pavilion in Niles.

This event will provide an opportunity for survivors, family who have experienced a loss to suicide or overdose, and community members to share stories, show support, and provide hope as the work continues to address these important public health issues of suicide and drug abuse. 

Community members are encouraged to visit the website www.1is2many.com to find more information regarding the “1 is 2 Many Life Fest” event, the ROSC efforts, and other organizations including the Berrien County Health Department, Riverwood Center, the Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Voice.Change.Hope. Alliance, and Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health.