Plans Underway for a Suicide Prevention Center in Missoula

When the Missoula music scene lost a key member of the family in May of 2016, family and friends alike vowed not to let Joey Connell's death be in vain. And they are keeping that promise.

Joey's brother Mikey and one of Joey's best friends have started the ball rolling to open a new center in Missoula that would offer help to those considering suicide, a home called Joey's Place.

Joey's close friend explains.

Joey's brother, Mikey, talked briefly about it at his funeral. There's such a stigma behind mental help. Mikey and people close to Joey are working on opening a house that people can go to, and get help with mental health issues and general wellness. It'll also be a spot where people can get access to information on situations that lead to, or are factors in causing mental instability; family and relationships, self-esteem, trauma, PTSD, veterans, financial, legal help, drugs and alcohol. A lot of people don't know where to go, or can't afford it.

 

The first event that Joey's family and friends will be participating in to help get the word out is the Out of the Darkness Walk in Missoula on World Suicide Prevention day, September 10th. You are invited to join Joey's team for the walk, and Joey's Place organizers will be on hand with pamphlets and answers to any questions that you may have about the project.

Regarding the outpouring of community support, Mikey adds, "I can't thank you enough! Every little bit helps. I can't do this alone. It's going to take an army of metal heads to pull this off."

For more information about Joey's Place, please visit their Facebook page. If you are having suicidal thoughts or know somebody who may be, please call the Montana Suicide Hotline for help at 1-800-332-8425.