A cry for help: local law enforcement sees increase in calls for suicidal persons

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Kennewick Police say they're responding to more calls of suicidal persons in the month since Governor Jay Inslee issued stay-at-home orders.

Unfortunately, some of those calls for service turn into calls to the coroner.

"We've seen eight deaths by suicide since March 15th," Benton County Coroner Bill Leach told Newsradio 610 KONA Thursday. "That's a lot. We expected to see some increase, but that's more than we anticipated."

By contrast, there were five suicides in Benton County between January 1 and March 15. Franklin County Coroner Curtis McGary has recorded just one suicide since March 15, but says he has noticed an increase in drug-related overdose deaths. He attributes those to a possible "bad batch" of drugs containing fentanyl.

Local law enforcement agencies have access to mental health providers (MHP) during most hours of the day, in cooperation with Lourdes Crisis, with one MHP shared among the agencies, traveling with police officers, during shifts.

If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts or depression, please call Lourdes Crisis 509-783-0500 or the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Both are hotlines are open 24/7 and have counselors that are ready to help.