LAWRENCE — City Councilor Grisel Silva was hospitalized Wednesday night after she swallowed sleeping pills in a possible suicide attempt, according to two police reports.
Silva, 34, took 31 Simply Sleep tablets — an over-the-counter sleep aid — and was found by her husband, Nelson Silva, 28, weak and nearly unresponsive in a car near near 8 Swan St. at 4:16 p.m., according to the reports.
Nelson Silva told police his wife called him and told him "she had taken some pills and that she was not feeling well." She told her husband she was on Swan Street. He told her "to pull over and stay there and that he was on his way," according to police.
Nelson Silva called police for emergency help and Grisel Sliva was taken by ambulance to Lawrence General Hospital, the reports said.
She was released from Lawrence General yesterday morning.
In an interview yesterday, Nelson Silva said his wife has not been feeling well lately. She's also been having trouble sleeping. She spent the day at home yesterday, resting and sleeping, he said.
"She's looking forward to getting back to 100 percent," Nelson Silva said. "She's recuperating well and will rest through the weekend. Monday morning, she will get back to her issues."
Grisel Silva also issued a statement last night, saying she appreciates the concern, prayers and support of members of the community. She also requested that her privacy be honored at this time.
"I was able to get some much needed rest in my one night stay at (Lawrence General) and look forward to taking a few days to rest comfortably in the confines of my own home," she said. "I don't anticipate any break in my duties as City Councilor as my health has been diagnosed as being in good condition."
City Council President Patrick Blanchette said he was unaware of the circumstances that brought Silva to the hospital but did visit her Wednesday night. He said he heard from a friend that the District B counselor was hospitalized and decided to check on her.
"I spent 30 to 45 minutes there. I didn't get into her personal health issues ... I didn't want her to feel I was prying or anything," Blanchette said.
"I wished her well and continue to wish her well," Blanchette said. "We had a nice conversation and she was relaxing."
Blanchette said he told Silva to "get some rest. I told her not to be thinking of business and the council."
He even joked with her, telling the Myrtle Street resident, "I need her in good health as we go into budget season."
Silva, a lifelong resident of Lawrence, was originally elected to the council in 2005. She is the chairman of council's Budget and Finance Committee.
City Attorney Charles Boddy last night agreed to release the police reports regarding Silva after The Eagle-Tribune filed a request under the federal Freedom of Information Act earlier in the day. Police Chief John Romero declined to release the records without the city attorney's authorization.
