SPARC - Suicide Prevention Across Rush County

04/04/2026

It’s estimated that about 18% of people in the general population live with a mental illness. But when you look at jails and prisons, those numbers jump way up — around 44% of people in jail and 37% in prison are dealing with mental health issues.

The same goes for substance use. About 11% of young adults (18–25) and 6% of adults over 25 struggle with substance use disorders. In comparison, roughly 63% of people in jail and 58% in prison are facing those same challenges.

The reality is, many of these individuals aren’t getting the treatment they need. In fact, being incarcerated can often make their symptoms worse, which can lead to longer stays compared to those without behavioral health concerns.

And it doesn’t get easier after release. People reentering the community often face major barriers — things like lack of healthcare, limited job skills, little access to education, unstable housing, and difficulty connecting with mental health providers. All of this can make recovery harder and increase the chances of relapse or ending up back in the system.

03/30/2026

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is issuing this alert to the community regarding the emergence of Cychlorphine (also known as N-Propionitrile Chlorphine), a synthetic opioid significantly more powerful than fentanyl. Recently detected in major regional hubs, including Chicago, this substance has been linked to a rising number of fatal overdoses across the Midwest, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Why This is a Threat
Cychlorphine is a "designer drug" that presents unique challenges for families, first responders, and medical professionals:

Extreme Potency: Preliminary data indicate Cychlorphine is approximately 10 times more potent than fentanyl. Even a microscopic amount, smaller than a grain of salt, can be immediately fatal.

Invisible to Test Strips: Unlike many other synthetic drugs, Cychlorphine will not trigger a positive result on standard fentanyl test strips. Users and families may believe a substance is "safe" from fentanyl, while it contains this even more lethal additive.

Naloxone (Narcan) Resistance: Due to the way this drug binds to the brain, a single dose of Narcan may not be enough to reverse an overdose. Multiple doses are often required to save a life.

What to Look For -
Cychlorphine is often hidden in the illicit drug supply and may appear as:
Powder: Typically off-white, grey, or tan.
Counterfeit Pills: Frequently pressed to look like legitimate prescription medications, such as Oxycodone (M30 pills) or Hydromorphone.
Adulterant: It is commonly mixed into other drugs like he**in, methamphetamine, or "Tranq" (Xylazine) without the user’s knowledge.

Safety Recommendations -
One Pill Can Kill: Never consume any medication that was not prescribed specifically for you by a licensed physician and dispensed by a legitimate pharmacy.

Carry Narcan: Despite its potency, Naloxone is still the primary tool for reversing an overdose. If you suspect an overdose, administer Narcan immediately and call 911.

Be Prepared for Multiple Doses: If the individual does not respond to the first dose of Narcan, continue administering additional doses every 2-3 minutes until emergency personnel arrive.

"We are in the direct pipeline between Chicago and Louisville, while not everything that happens in those places happens here, we should be aware of this potential threat. We are sharing this information now to ensure our citizens, hospitals, and first responders are prepared for this high-potency threat." - Sheriff Kerry Forestal

03/19/2026

Knowing the right thing to say to someone going through a difficult time may feel intimidating but, we promise, just reaching out for help can make a difference.💙

In fact, a few kind words can make the difference in connecting someone to help or supporting someone who experienced a su***de loss.

Visit afsp.org/realconvo for tips.

12/22/2025

Around this time of year is known to be the start of when people gather with their families to celebrate the holidays. It’s seen as a time of love, joy, and spending time with loved ones. However, this cookie cutter idea of what the holidays are portrayed as, isn’t everyone’s reality. To some, the holidays might be the best time of year. To others, this time of year might echo feelings of stress, loneliness, sadness, mourning, or a longing for belonging. At the end of the day, everyone has different feelings when it comes to the holidays. Some people are just trying to get through them in one piece (which is okay!) Just know that taking care of your emotional wellbeing, your boundaries, and your mental health comes first.
I am sending love to all those who feel as if their holiday traditions have been lost this year, those who cannot go home to see their family, those who have no family to go home to, those who cannot give a gift to a loved one, and those who may not be able to give gifts at all. Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, whether you will be spending it with family or friends or no one at all, I truly hope you can navigate through the end of the year and its festivities at ease. If not, I also hope you remember that you are loved, you are greater than you know and things will get better.
⚡️❤️⚡️
The world is a better place with you in it, remember that.
***dePrevention

11/27/2025

Here’s a little Thanksgiving reminder for anyone who might need it, like I need it every year:
If you don’t have family or friends to celebrate with, remember—this day will pass.
If you struggle with food for any reason and feel left out of the festivities, remember—this day will pass.
If you’re in recovery and don’t feel up to socializing, remember—this day will pass.
Don’t let the day, or anyone else, pressure you into neglecting your self-care. Part of self-care is saying no. You don’t have to eat anything you don’t want to, talk to anyone you don’t want to, or do anything you don’t want to.
And if, for any reason, you find yourself in a situation where you must do these things, just hold on and remember—this day will pass.

11/25/2025

11/22/2025

11/22/2025

Today marks International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day.

Each year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, people across the globe gather to remember those we’ve lost and to lift up the survivors who carry their stories forward.

The day was first established in 1999, when Senator Harry Reid — who experienced the loss of his father to su***de — introduced a resolution creating a space for healing, connection, and shared understanding among those affected by su***de loss. Since then, AFSP has helped expand Survivor Day into a worldwide event, offering thousands of people the chance to come together, both in person and virtually, to share their experiences, find comfort, and feel less isolated.

For survivors, this day is much more than a spot on the calendar. It’s a recognition that our grief is valid, our memories hold weight, and our experiences matter. It’s a time to speak openly about the loved ones we miss, to acknowledge our own strength, and to find support among others who truly understand this journey.

If today feels heavy, I’m with you. If today brings moments of connection, I’m thankful alongside you. Wherever you are in your healing process, you are not walking this road alone. ⚡️💙⚡️
The world is a better place with you in it, remeber that. ⚡️
***dePrevention m

10/10/2025

Today is world mental health day. So today, I’m checking in. With myself, am I coping? Am I in need of something more? & with you, my friends. Are you ok? Is there anything I can do to alliviate any of your struggles even for a moment?
Also, just a friendly reminder that it is okay to:
💚: worry about yourself.
💚: ask for help.
💚: need a friend.
💚: speak about your mind.
💚: not be okay.
⚡️💚⚡️this day is about you.
You are strong, you are brave, & you belong here! We can do this together, a little love will go a long way! Much love to all of you! ⚡️❤️⚡️
- Drew Bennett ⚡️⚡️⚡️

09/09/2025

The month of September is a time to remember everyone impacted and raise awareness about the suicidal crisis. By raising awareness, we can focus efforts on connecting the people who need it most with potentially life-saving treatment for mental illness.
Throughout the month, advocates for mental health, mental health organizations that focus on prevention, survivors, allies, and community members come together, talking about su***de for awareness, provide shareable resources, and providing mental health education.
We want to shed more light on the reality that is su***de and perhaps promote hope and healing at the same time. By not avoiding the subject, it could be that you’re able to connect with someone at a time when they’re feeling vulnerable. You could make a life-saving impact on their life.
Mental illness shouldn’t be taboo or stigmatized, and we should be talking about it. By talking about it, people can get access to the resources they need for prevention and help. Attempting su***de is a public health concern for all of us, but treatment options are available to lower death rates. However, we need public participation to make a difference in su***de prevention.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out the the appropriate resources. Call or text the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline at 988. ⚡️💙⚡️
***dePrevention

09/09/2025

Right now, leading AFSP Volunteers are on Capitol Hill advocating for robust funding to support lifesaving mental health and su***de prevention programs for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

We urge the support of you and your lawmakers for continued funding of the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Comprehensive Su***de Prevention Program (CSP).

Reach out to your legislators at afsp.org/advocacy

09/08/2025

It’s . If you or someone you love is in emotional distress, help is just three digits away. Call or text 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential, 24/7 support. We’re joining the national effort to raise awareness.

Learn more at nami.org/su***deprevention

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