Ms. World America shares testimony for suicide prevention

Says, Elizabeth Gibbar a Perryville native and Ms. World America 2023, her previous title being Ms. Missouri.

She is sharing why she thinks it is so important for everyone to take care of their mental health, “Everyone’s journey is different. Everyone’s mental health is different. Their treatment is different.”

Gibbar is no stranger to the challenges of dealing with mental health issues, Gibbar says she and her sister have worked hard to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

“It’s been because of her efforts, that it has gone statewide, and it is because of her efforts, and our Crisis Intervention Team locally, that saved my life…” says Gibbar.

Perry County Sheriff Jason Klaus says the Crisis Intervention Team provides specialized law enforcement who work in cooperation with the mental health system, individuals in crisis, and families.

“It really puts the serve into what our job is and serving those individuals who need us and need our help at that moment.” Klaus adds that 9-8-8, the three-digit code, is a great resource that anybody can call at any time to get the help they need during any potential mental health crisis, “Somebody with a behavioral health background will answer that call and try to help them through that process.”

Gibbar shares in a personal moment, that Sheriff Klaus was the one who found her during her time of need, she says her goal is to spread more awareness of the resources that are available saying, “When you feel like you are alone, know that you’re not. When you feel that it’s not okay, it is okay. When you need to reach out for help, reach out.”