TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Team of Mercy kicked off Suicide Awareness Month by spreading love to the streets of Terre Haute.

This afternoon, members of the organization and the community brought signs spreading positive messages along U.S. 41 in the IHOP parking lot. The group is working to fight the stigma around mental illness around the area.

Christina Crist is the executive director of Team of Mercy, and she says she hopes these messages had a positive impact on those who drove by.

“How cool would it be if we made signs that say that I love you and your live matters and has all the suicide awareness stuff about it, and then people turn and see it and their face lighting up. Who knows whose life can be touched by that.”

She also wanted to add that the 988 suicide prevention hotline is available to anyone in need of help.

“We also wanted to do this to promote our hotline. Suicide is the number two cause of death amongst teenagers in this country. We want to let everyone know that we are always here to help and that is one of the many resources we have to do so,” added Crist.

Team of Mercy is also hosting a candlelight vigil outside the Terre Haute City Council building on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.