(La Porte County, IN) - A new program is in place with the goal to reduce the number of suicides in La Porte County.  La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson said psychological autopsies will be done on people who committed suicide in an attempt to identify why they decided to take their lives.

 

She said the process involves interviewing people like family members and friends, who might be able to shed light on the motive behind the actions of suicide victims.

 

Swanson said the purpose is to acquire information to help support loved ones and present to other people struggling with such thoughts to prevent them from following through on what they’re contemplating.

 

“Launching this program underscores our commitment to addressing this critical issue head-on,” she said.

 

The program is being led by Deputy Coroner Dr. Christopher Drapeau, a licensed psychologist and suicide researcher.

 

“By conducting thorough psychological autopsies, we aim to uncover critical insights and trends that can help prevent future suicides and offer better support to loved ones left behind,” he said.

 

Swanson said the number of suicides in La Porte County rose from 20 to 27 from 2021 to 2023.  There are 15 suicides, so far, this year.

 

For more information, contact Dr. Drapeau at cdrapeau@laporteco.in.gov.  Help for someone struggling or in crisis can be obtained by texting 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org