Important community conversation will focus on suicide prevention
Amelia Lehto, RCH Coordinator – Suicide Prevention from Common Ground will be joined by April Morris, a mother surviving the loss of a child to suicide at a special presentation and discussion on Thursday, November 19 at Avondale High School, “Suicide Prevention: A Mother’s Story.” The presentation, sponsored by Avondale Youth Assistance (AYA), will cover information ranging from identifying the signs and symptoms of suicide to the effects of suicide on a community to what services are available if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide. Lehto, who has been public with her own personal struggle with suicidal thoughts, brings a perspective of both someone who provides treatment and someone who has received treatment. Morris will also bring her personal experiences to the discussion.
Presentation co-sponsor, Common Ground provides myriad of support for people dealing with issues related to family or friends considering or committing suicide. The organization has developed the booklet, “Suicide Prevention Packet” filled with helpful information and tips for supporting survivors of suicide loss including a section titled Stomp Out Stigma. The section demonstrates that stigma is a barrier for people wishing to get the help and treatment they need and detrimental to families struggling to move forward from such tragedies.
Avondale Youth Assistance Parenting Education series is designed to provide topical information to families in and around Oakland County. The series runs throughout the school year and includes presentations about the dangers of technology, child abuse, bullying, and how to communicate with your children. AYA is a non-profit community service organization committed to strengthening youth and families and reducing the incidence of juvenile delinquency, child neglect and abuse through community involvement. This mission is accomplished through the longstanding relationship with the Avondale School District, local municipalities and the Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division which provides a caseworker to offer counseling to children and their families in Avondale. A board of community volunteers supports this mission by providing programs for Avondale students that include Youth Recognition, honoring student volunteerism and personal achievements; Mentor Plus, matching youngsters with a caring adult; and after-school and summer KAMP (Kids Academic Mentoring Program) providing academic support. Camp and skill building scholarships are awarded to students experiencing financial difficulties. Learn more about Avondale Youth Assistance at: http://www.avondaleschools.org/district/community/avondale-youth-assistance.
“Suicide Prevention: A Mother’s Story” is presented at Avondale High School (2800 Waukegan, Auburn Hills) on November 19, 2015 from 7 – 8:30 pm.
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