MASSENA – The number of local suicides has more than doubled in the past five years, according to Police Chief Timmy Currier.

And police are responding to nearly four times as many mental health incidents they did 15 years ago, he says.

And in hopes of helping to turn the situation around, the We Care Center, designed to help prevent suicides, has opened at 56-58 Main St. and an open house is planned Thursday.

“In 2011 our community experienced several suicides in a very short period of time,” said Currier, who has noticed a sharp increase in the rate of suicides in Massena and in St. Lawrence County.

“The growing suicide problem is seen beyond our community,” Currier said.

He cited recent statistics indicative of his belief that suicide has been on the rise:

• 2007, 7, average age 33, plus 3 deaths due to accidental lethal intoxication of medication

• 2008, 13, average age 44, plus 4 accidental lethal intoxication of medication

• 2009, 14, average age 49, plus 8 accidental lethal intoxication of medication

• 2010, 14, average age 47 plus 5 accidental lethal intoxication of medication

• 2011, 19, average age 44, plus 4 accidental lethal intoxication of medication.

The Massena Police Department has seen a significant increase in mental health incidents and emergency mental health pick-up orders as well:

• 1993-1997 averaged 16.4 per year

• 1998-2002 averaged 23.0 per year

• 2003-2007 averaged 43.4 per year

• 2008-2011 averaged 62.5 per year.

“In response to this, a number of church leaders in Massena have answered my call and worked to develop the We Care walk in center out of concern about the suicide rates in our area,” said Chief Currier.

“These leaders are willing to help people that are hurting emotionally and spiritually by taking the time to listen to people and talk with those in need and make referrals when someone is in distress.”

The open house at the We Care Walk in Center is scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 7 at the Downtown Outreach Center (DOC) at 56-58 Main St., right next to Town Hall.

“I have longed believe that this type of service was needed in our community. Our church leaders in Massena have worked hard to put together a program that will directly help our citizens that are hurting emotionally or spiritually,” said Currier.

“Not only is the We Care staff resourceful and trained in spiritual matters, they can direct those in need to physical, emotional and psychological help,” he said.

Everyone is welcome at the open house. Refreshments will be served.