Pike County officials dealing with what they call a "mental health crisis."

Officials in eastern Kentucky are dealing with what they are calling a “mental health crisis.” In Pike County, over the last 30 days at least 8 people have committed suicide.

Tammy Riley is the Pike County Director of Public Health. She says to put that into perspective, the county had 8 suicides in all of 2023. She said there are a couple of common occurrences with these incidents.

“In a short span on time, the suicides have all been adults, ranging from the 30's to the 80's as far as years of age, primarily all have been male, and the mode has all been via firearms.”

She says many agencies are banding together to address the issue. She said many agencies are banding together to address the issue.

“Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, that's the federally qualified help center that is our primary provider for mental health services for Pike County, we're also working with the Pike County Coroners Office, the Judge Executive's Office, as well as resources available through the Kentucky Department of Public Health.”

Riley said the county is working on hosting several events in the coming days to make sure people are aware of resources that can help.

She also encouraged the use of the 9-8-8 crisis hot-line for anyone who may feel like that are in some kind of mental distress.

Anyone can call or text 988 twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to speak to someone qualified to help.

** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.