Local November Events Support Two Groups Affected by Suicide
The Jackson County Suicide Prevention Coalition is hosting events in November to support two groups struggling with suicide, veterans and survivors of suicide. Stop 22: Veterans Day Lunch and Discussion is Saturday, November 9, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Commonwealth Commerce Center, Room 299, 209 E Washington Ave, Jackson, MI 49201. This event is free to attend, and lunch is provided. After lunch, veterans will share their personal stories of support and triumph. Veteran peers and local resources will be on hand and every veteran attendee will receive a commemorative coin.
State Representative Julie Alexander plans to attend and support the veterans at this event. “Because of their service to us and our great country,” says Rep. Alexander “now is the time we step up to offer our support to them.”
On average 22 veterans a day die from suicide. “Feelings of sadness, worry or anger are common in veterans,” says Doug Brinker, Peer Support Specialist at LifeWays and disabled Iraqi Freedom Veteran, “but it doesn’t have to be your new normal. Reaching out for help takes strength but recovery is possible.”
Survivors of Suicide Day Luncheon is Saturday, November 23, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Baker College of Jackson Welcome Center, 2800 Springport Rd. Jackson, MI 49202. Survivors of Suicide Day was designated by the United States Congress as a day on which those affected by suicide can join together for healing and support. It was determined to always fall on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors. This free event brings together those who have lost a friend or family member to suicide or survived a suicide attempt. After lunch, attendees have a chance to share their story of how they’ve been personally affected by suicide. This event is supported by Henry Ford Allegiance Health, LifeWays Community Mental Health, and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“Survivors of Suicide Day is a powerful event,” says Julia Grescowle, chair of the Jackson County Suicide Prevention Coalition. “We gather to eat together and connect. Survivors find connection, understanding and hope through their shared experience.”
Jackson County Suicide Prevention Coalition meets the first Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m. at LifeWays Meeting Rooms. Any community members who are passionate about stopping stigma and saving lives are welcome to attend including suicide survivors, people living with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders, representatives from community organizations or local businesses.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text Home to 741-741 or call the local 24-hour LifeWays Crisis Line at 1-800-284-8288.
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Jackson County Suicide Prevention Coalition's goal is to raise awareness and eliminate suicide in Jackson County. We partner and collaborate with organizations and community members to provide evidence-based suicide prevention programming, training and suicide awareness events including the annual Stomp Out Suicide in September. The coalition is comprised of passionate volunteers throughout the community.
Stomp Out Suicide 2019:
