Resources offered on Suicide Prevention & Depression Awareness
FERGUS FALLS, MINN. – Several local agencies are partnering to offer an educational event for teens and adults called “You Are Not Alone” on the topic of suicide and depression. Organizers say the program, which is open to the public and free of charge, is designed to educate the public about suicide and to encourage awareness of the mental health and suicide prevention resources available in the community. It will be held from 6 to 8pm on Wednesday, October 8th in Legacy Hall on the M State campus at 1414 College Way in Fergus Falls.
At 6pm, high schoolers from the Stephanie Goetz Foundation Student Board will present “Imagine Thriving.” Teens will learn from peers about mental health and ending the stigma of mental illness. Following the teen presentation, a panel discussion will be held with educators, clergy, first responders, Veterans agencies & mental health providers. They’ll open their tool boxes to communicate how to recognize potential crises, work with community agencies and promote health & wellness. Each attendee will be given a “You Are Not Alone” Toolkit for quick reference of resources available for Emergency & Crisis, Continuing Care, Advocacy, Support Services and Web Resources.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death for all ages in 2010 and the 3rd leading cause of death among persons aged 15-24 years. There were 38,364 suicides in 2010 in the United States--an average of 105 each day. Based on data about suicides in 16 National Violent Death Reporting System states in 2009, 33.3% of suicide decedents tested positive for alcohol, 23% for antidepressants, and 20.8% for opiates, including heroin and prescription pain killers. This data supports the basis for an educational event that focuses on both suicide and depression as well as the local resources available to support teens, families, small businesses, human resources professionals, church leaders, and others who may be seeking assistance.
Sponsors include Federated Church, Lake Region Healthcare, the Fergus Falls Area College Foundation, Federated Church of Fergus Falls and the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ from the Ashley Endowment.
For more information, contact Connie at 218.736.7166 or connieseltz@aol.com.