Marisa Vicere
Every year, more than 800,000 people die by suicide and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt (World Health Organization). In the state of Pennsylvania, one person dies by suicide every five hours, making it the second leading cause of death for ages 25-34 and the third leading cause of death for ages 10-24. Behind these statistics are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors and community members who for one reason or another, questioned the value of their own lives.
Communities play a vital role in supporting those who are vulnerable. This sentiment is reflected in the theme of the 2017 World Suicide Prevention Day: ‘Take a minute, change a life.’ As members of communities, it is our responsibility to reach out to help those who may be struggling. By listening in a non-judgmental way and creating environments full of acceptance and appreciation for one another, we can make a world of difference in the lives of people around us.
Suicide is complex with psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors involved. Connectedness is crucial to individuals who may be vulnerable to suicide. Studies have shown that social isolation can increase the risk of suicide and, conversely, that having strong human bonds can be protective against it. Reaching out to those who have become disconnected from others and offering them support and friendship may be a life-saving act.
This September Jana Marie Foundation (JMF) encourages you to join community efforts to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
JMF will host its 5th annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day event on September 10: "Forget Not: An Evening of Hope, Healing and Remembrance and Community Dinner." This free event will take place at Millbrook Marsh, 548 Puddintown Rd, State College, beginning at 5:15pm with a complimentary community dinner sponsored by Dickey's Barbecue Pit, followed by inspirational and moving performances at 6:30pm. Community art from various Jana Marie Foundation programs will be on exhibit throughout the event. The evening will conclude at 8pm with a candle lighting ceremony, part of a world-wide commemoration. The day is sponsored by Jana Marie Foundation, AFSP of Central PA, Active Minds at Penn State, and Dickey's Barbecue Pit. Please RSVP to Jana Marie Foundation by email or phone.
In addition, JMF will host a QPR (Question, Persuede, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training Program from 9am – Noon on Tuesday, September 19. This course presents a three-step action plan to assist those closest to you who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. The cost is $5 and the course is open to the public.
On Thursday, September 28, JMF will continue its Mokita™ Dialogues series with a session focused on Suicide and the myths and stigma that surround the topic. The luncheon series is held at New Leaf Initiative from noon – 1pm and is free and open to the public.
To learn about these events and others, please visitwww.janamariefoundation.org or email JMF at info@janamariefoundation.org.
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