Between 2007 and 2009, an average of 38 Shasta County residents died by suicide each year, and hundreds more were left to cope with the aftermath of those losses. This does not include the many more who struggle to cope with or recover from an attempted suicide.
September 4-10, 2011 is National Suicide Prevention Week. Here’s how people can participate locally:
- Access free depression screenings from Shasta College. During Suicide Prevention Week, free online screenings and help from the counseling center are available to all Shasta County residents. Go to www.shastacollege.edu/wellness, and on the left menu select, “Online Brain/Body Health Screenings” and choose from the list.
- Participate in A News Café’s online book club. Read “Will’s Choice” by Gail Griffith and join the discussion at www.anewscafe.com.
- Check out the Second Saturday ArtHop on Saturday, September 10. Art by people with mental health challenges and by suicide attempt survivors will be on display at Eddy’s Grill on Market Street in Redding. An artists’ reception is planned from 6 to 9 pm.
- Take a Question Persuade Refer (QPR) suicide prevention class at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, September 8, at the Redding Library. Call 229-8426 to register.
- Join the Suicide Prevention Workgroup. Visit www.shastasuicideprevention.com for details.
“Together, we can reduce the number of lives shaken by a needless and tragic death,” said Katie Cassidy, community education specialist for the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency. “It’s time. Let’s talk about suicide and what we can do to help stop this hurt.”
For more information and ways to participate in National Suicide Prevention Week, contact Katie Cassidy at kcassidy@co.shasta.ca.us or call 229-8426.
-from press release
