1,300 Norwalk residents trained in suicide prevention through CDC grant
The city has used a $40,000 annual federal award since 2023 to expand mental health resources and train local professionals.
By Stella Brooks ·
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has funded a local suicide prevention program in Norwalk, Connecticut, for four years. The city began receiving an annual $40,000 grant in September 2023 to expand access to mental health resources and support services.
The program has trained more than 1,300 individuals across various sectors. Community Health Educator Kelley Tomlinson reported this figure to the Board of Health on Tuesday. Participants in the more than 60 training sessions include teachers, firefighters, faith-based staff, and youth service providers. These trainings aim to help staff recognize warning signs and respond effectively to crises.
Local data indicates that suicide is the 13th leading cause of death in Connecticut. However, it ranks as the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 19 and adults aged 25 to 35. Tomlinson cited public surveys showing that approximately 20% of local youth report depression or anxiety. Nearly half of those surveyed said they have no support system at all. Despite these figures, Tomlinson noted that depression rates among city youth are decreasing and more high school students are seeking in-school counseling.
Health Department staff have used the grant to build partnerships with behavioral health experts, healthcare professionals, educators, first responders, and veterans organizations. Staff members are now certified to provide training in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. The department has initiated more than a dozen community-wide events and attended nearly 300 others to spread awareness. Signage in public locations now includes information on the 988 Lifeline, with billboards placed at train stations, on buses, and at the SoNo Collection.
The city also developed its first postvention plan using the grant funds. This plan coordinates multiple partners to respond after a death by suicide, providing services to the families and friends of the deceased. Dr. Norman J. Weinberger, a member of the Health Board, commended the efforts. He stated that suicide prevention is important because many people are currently under stress.
