Suicide Prevention Forum
Special Events
When: Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, 6:30 p.m.
Where: La Colina Junior High School, 4025 Foothill Rd., Santa Barbara
Cost: Free
Age limit: Not available
Categories: Citizen's Alert, Special Events
Description: Reports of suicide shock our communities and leave us feeling helpless about what to do. It was recently learned that the suicide rates among our military are the highest in 26 years. Yet the stigma associated with suicide prevents many at-risk individuals from openly discussing it and seeking help. Many of us are unaware of the warning signs. Suicide is a public health issue and suicide prevention is the responsibility of all communities. In order to provide a safe environment to discuss this very important topic, community leaders will come together to present a FREE Suicide Prevention Forum in Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, and Santa Maria.
In an ongoing outreach effort to build awareness in Santa Barbara County, The Glendon Association’s Violence & Suicide Prevention Alliance will present its annual Suicide Prevention Forum. Youth suicide will be a special focus of this year’s Forum in response to recent tragedies in our community. The Forum will feature John Kevin Hines, a young man who survived his jump from the Golden Gate Bridge at age 19. Kevin returns to Santa Barbara to share his poignant story of mental illness and journey to recovery.
Lisa Firestone, PhD, clinical psychologist and suicide specialist, and Jamie Rotnofsky, PhD, clinical psychologist and crisis management expert, both from The Glendon Association, will speak. Also appearing as part of a panel discussion will be professionals from agencies including: Cottage Hospital, Pacific Pride Foundation, La Colina Junior H.S., Santa Ynez Valley Union H.S., and Area Agency on Aging. Suicide survivors who lost family members to suicide will share their stories. Topics to be discussed include ways to identify risk of suicide, effective treatment options, how suicide impacts populations such as seniors and youths, and support resources available to the community. Glendon will also premiere its new documentary illustrating ways to identify and assist those in suicidal crisis. There will be a question and answer period and the forum will conclude with a special closing ceremony.
Phone: 805-681-0415
Event posted Sept. 4, 2007
Last updated Sept. 17, 2007
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