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ELKINS -- Davis Health Systems and Dr. Lauren DeMarco are supporting efforts to promote suicide prevention and awareness within the local community during the month of September.
DeMarco, who is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, began providing outpatient behavioral health care at Davis Medical Center in August.
"We've been open since Aug. 1 and we have made it a community initiative to let everyone know that they are not alone and that there is help," DeMarco told The Inter-Mountain Wednesday. "We want to spread awareness that behavioral health has expanded to this area for many kinds of mental health issues, and that help is possible."
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and health providers along with other organizations are raising awareness on the topic
"I think because this area is a rural community, it is maybe overlooked compared to big cities," DeMarco said. "But the rates of suicide are the same here as they are in any other city. Just like the rates of mental illness are the same here as anywhere else.
"It's definitely something we've encountered and is something we can help people with by letting them know they're not alone and that there is help that can be provided to them."
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, with an average of 132 suicide deaths per day.
The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for people and their loved ones. It is available 24 hours per day and can be accessed by dialing 988 or texting TALK to 741741.
For those searching for behavioral health care locally, DeMarco's new office can be found on the campus of Davis Medical Center at 213 Main Street behind the helipad.
"We can get patients seen in a timely manner and get them treated on their way and feeling better," said DeMarco. "We have also expanded out referral process to include psychotherapy services, so it's just not medication. I think both of those combined have had a pretty big impact just in the short time we've been here."
DeMarco, a native of West Virginia, will also serve as the Medical Director for DMC's inpatient geriatric behavioral health unit at Laurel Place, as well as overseeing the outpatient group therapy programs at Broaddus and Webster Memorial hospitals.
DeMarco relocated to Elkins from Rochester, New York, where she completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Rochester-Strong Memorial Hospital.
"I'm from West Virginia and I grew up around the Clarksburg area," DeMarco said. "I'm just thrilled to be back here – this is a state that I love. I'm new to this community, but I have really felt a lot of kindness since I've been here."
For an appointment with DeMarco, or more information, call the Patient Access Center at 304-637-3179.