HAGERSTOWN – There were 24 people who took their own lives in Washington County, Maryland, in 2023.
The number of suicides in the county in 2022 was 15, a 46 percent jump between the two years.
The numbers for 2024, let alone this year, aren’t available yet. But Meritus Health has made zero suicides in Washington County one of the organization’s Bold Goals for 2030.
Mental health experts at Meritus and Brook Lane Health Services, which affiliated with the health system in 2024, say there are a number of reasons for people to contemplate and go through with suicide.
“It can be a multitude of things, like (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, financial struggles, addiction, grief,” said Karley Hensley, PhD, the director of outpatient services at Brook Lane.
To help those struggling with thoughts of suicide, Meritus and Brook Lane offer a number of services.
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to get help is to visit the Meritus Mental Health Urgent Care. The office, at the Orange Entrance of Robinwood Professional Center off Robinwood Drive, provides immediate mental health services for those age 6 and older.
For those whose suicidal thoughts stem from addiction, there is also the Meritus Crisis Center. Available for those 18 and older, it’s a one-stop-shop for those who have experienced an overdose and are willing to go to long-term treatment for addiction. It is accessed through the same office at the Orange Entrance.
Brook Lane also has in-patient and partial hospitalization programs available.
“We can make accommodations with a client’s clinicians to get them in as soon as possible to assess for direct admissions to our IP (in-patient) or PHP (partial hospitalization patient) programs,” Hensley said. PHP is available for children as young as 8, as well as adults.
There also are resources for loved ones.
“We offer family therapy, supportive therapy and community referrals for in-home support,” she said.
Brook Lane also offers Mental Health First Aid Training. The free, evidence-based training courses are for adults, youth, military and veterans, and public safety professionals, among others.
Just like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares you to respond in a crisis, but for mental health. It includes how to identify the signs and symptoms of common mental health and substance use challenges; how to approach and support someone in need; how to connect them to the appropriate care and community resources; and how to reduce stigma and foster open, supportive conversations.
Outside Washington County, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a support helpline for people experiencing mental health or substance use emergencies. The Lifeline also provides support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. People can call, text or chat by dialing 9-8-8 on their phone to talk and to connect with services.
No matter the resource, those struggling with suicide should know they are not alone and there are people willing to listen and, ultimately, help. For more information about the Meritus Mental Health Urgent Care, readers may visit www.meritushealth.com/mentalhealth. For more information about the Meritus Crisis Center, they may visit www.meritushealth.com/crisiscenter. For more information about Brook Lane’s in-patient and partial hospitalization programs, they also visit www.brooklane.org/care-services
