WALLACE – Seventeen–year-old Corbin Loflin of the “Pee Dee Youth Suicide Prevention Organization” is making a difference in the lives of teens and across the Pee Dee and across the country.

Loflin founded and organized the new non-profit group following the tragic suicide of a Chesterfield County teen. With the help from one of his teachers and support from family and friends, the non-profit organization now serves Chesterfield, Marlboro, Dillon, Florence, and Darlington counties.

Loflin said he knows first-hand what it is like to experience depression. At the age of 15, he attempted to end his life.

“Fortunately, by God’s grace, I did not succeed. After realizing what he had tried to accomplish, he and his family contacted the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where he found solace and the help he so desperately needed.

Since his ordeal, Loflin has learned how to cope with depression and also understands how easy it is for youth and teens to fall into the trap of a “permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

“It was horrible. I felt my life had no purpose and I felt so alone. It just was not a good feeling at all. Suicide doesn’t solve anything and as a Christian, I believe a person cannot go to Heaven if he or she commits suicide because there is no time to ask God for forgiveness.” Loflin stressed.

Loflin said his goal is to pass this important information along in hope that other teens who feel hopelessness and suicidal, will realize they too, have a purpose for living. Part of Loflin’s program is to visit various schools, churches and suicide support groups to get his message out to other teens; that suicide is not the answer to their problems.

“I know how it affected me and my family when I was suicidal. If you look around, the people who have committed suicide, or contemplating suicide, also hurt their families. It tragically affects them. I want other youth to know there are people who care and there is “hope.” I know that my life has a purpose and I am not alone,” he continued.

Today, Loflin attends Clemson University in Columbia and continues to spread the word to others that “life is worth living and everyone has a purpose”. Loflin stressed that saving lives is the top priority of his organization.

“It’s funny how things work out for the best. We have a 24-hour crisis hotline. Due to privacy and confidentiality, all calls that come through the crisis line are kept confidential. If I can help save one life and give someone hope, it makes all the hard work and efforts worthwhile,” he continued.

The organization was incorporated earlier this year and regular board meetings are held with the Pee Dee Youth Suicide Prevention Board of Directors, according to Loflin.

“We meet regularly to review and research various ways to grow, such as applying for grants. Currently, we are self funded,” said Loflin.

With the 24-hour crisis hotline, the determination to save lives is strong. Loflin and his family man the phone lines, answering calls from both youth and adults who feel they have no place else to turn, and need someone to talk to about their problems.

“We need crisis hotline volunteers desperately. Currently, I am taking seven classes this semester, but I come home on the weekends and work the phone lines. My family helps while I am at school through the week. This is all about saving teens, and even adults, from making the same mistake I almost made. I am thankful for my life and want others to know they, too, have a life, regardless of the situation. It is what you make it and we are here to help others see this,” said Loflin.

The 24-hour suicidal hotline is 1-866-466-7375. If a person is not in the Pee Dee area, he or she can reach a crisis hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Loflin stressed that volunteers are needed from all over the Pee Dee area and that the training is free. To become a volunteer, contact Corbin Loflin at 843-544-7659.