KMBC 9: Blue Valley schools, Children's Mercy partner for bigger conversation on teen suicide

By Brian Johnson 

Just last year in Johnson County, Kansas - 15 students died by suicide across the county's six school districts.

On Tuesday, a community event in Overland Park took a hard look at the tough topic.

"There's way too many young people in our state dying by suicide every year," said Children's Mercy Psychiatrist Dr. Shayla Sullivant. "Depending on the year, about half are with a firearm."

About 200 people joined in that discussion on suicide prevention.

"Any parent that's lost their child would wish they could pick up their cell phone and talk to him or her," said Kevin Timmons, owner of Nick and Jake's restaurants. Timmons now runs a non-profit in honor of his son Nick who ended his life on June 14, 2017. Nick was 22 years old.

"There are resources available every day, everywhere in our county," said Blue Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Todd White. "Reach out. Say something to someone, because we can connect you to service."

See the full story via KMBC 9.

Learn more about Developmental and Behavioral Sciences at Children's Mercy