River Park opens office to address suicide prevention

HUNTINGTON -- River Park Hospital recently opened The Jason Foundation Affiliate Office in Huntington, giving staff more of the tools they need to address suicide prevention.

The Jason Foundation is one of the country's leading organizations dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through education and awareness.

Referral Services Coordinator Cyndi Kirkhart said the new affiliation will allow for a curriculum for people teaching 7th through 12th graders suicide awareness and prevention.

"It's a tough topic to approach for some people. With this curriculum, it gives them a format to talk about what is a silent epidemic for a lot of people," Kirkhart said.

Kirkhart plans to begin visiting area schools in April, and said she is available to speak to a variety of social service groups or anyone who has an interest. More information is available by calling her at (304) 526-9106.

Psychiatric Solutions Incorporated, a Nashville-based health care provider, is the parent company of River Park Hospital. More than 60 of The Jason Foundation offices have been opened nationwide in 26 states.

River Park Hospital is located at 1230 6th Ave. in Huntington.