LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – Volunteers with the Area Health Education Center are taking suicide prevention outreach to the streets, promoting the 9-8-8 crisis hotline to passing drivers.
The group gathers at the corner of McPherson and Del Mar on the last Friday of each month, holding signs and distributing resources. Drivers honked in support during the event.
Laredo Police Mental Health Unit Sgt. Heriberto Avalos said the outreach is aimed at reaching anyone who may be in crisis.
“Some people think that the solution is suicide. It’s not. It’s not. The community needs to know that there is help out there. There is help and all you have to do is call us,” Avalos said.
Avalos said Laredo has already seen four suicides this year. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 9-8-8.
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