image of barnstable county courthouse

Suicide is Preventable – News from CISPC

With the Cape and Islands’ suicide rate 1.4 times higher than the Massachusett’s state average, local trainings and events are an integral part in preventing suicide. Suicide prevention awareness and education occur throughout the year thanks to many local resources.  Co-chair of the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition (CISPC), Sergeant Kevin Marshall states that “CISPC remains committed to giving Cape Cod and the Island communities the necessary information and tools to raise awareness, promote education and increase action to reduce suicide… Our goal is to raise awareness in every community in our region with specific groups such as elders, veterans, and youth.  CISPC will provide necessary information to those individuals who may need help but are unsure where to go.”


Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition’s Annual Ribbon Ceremony
On Thursday, September 8, 2016, The Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition (CISPC) held its annual ribbon hanging ceremony in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Day on the front lawn of the Superior Courthouse, Barnstable Village. Attendees at the ceremony supported each other has they placed the symbolic ribbons. The yellow ribbons are a symbol of someone lost to suicide and the purple and teal ribbons symbolize hope through awareness and prevention.


Certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator
CISPC Co-chair and Nantucket Police Sergeant Kevin A. Marshall became the first Certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator in the state of Massachusetts at the CIT International Conference in Chicago. The Nantucket Police Department now has a trained law enforcement officer who participates in efforts of assisting, implementing and sustaining CIT as a community program.  The CIT Coordinator serves as a community liaison representing both law enforcement and other community partnerships to the citizens.


Samaritan Volunteer Training for Seniors
The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands (CISPC member) will be holding a Senior Outreach Only Volunteer Training on October 4, 2016 from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM at Elder Services in Dennis, MA. The training is for Senior’s who want to volunteer yet have obstacles of geography, transportation, mobility or time constraints.  This innovative program allows seniors to volunteer for the Samaritans via weekly phone calls. Volunteers can make calls from their own homes.  To learn more, view/download flyer Samaritan Senior Outreach Volunteer Training.


For more information on types/schedules of suicide prevention training or to request a training, visit CISPC’s training web page.


Emergency Hotlines

Emergency Service dial 911

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Veteran’s Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255

Samaritan’s on Cape Cod and the Island’s 1-800-893-9900

Youth Crisis Support Free Text Text 741-741 and type “start”