Dear editor:
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Arkansas Chapter is hosting several events in the Garland County area with the hopes of raising suicide awareness and aiding in prevention. Each year, over 38,000 people take their own lives in the United States. in Arkansas, we average about one suicide every 17 hours. Arkansas is currently ranked 15th for suicide rates in our country. Garland County is among the top 20 counties for suicide attempts and completions in the state.
We urgently need to address this issue so that we can heal our community. These deaths leave behind loved ones who struggle with not only loss, but also with many unanswerable questions that other types of deaths may not leave one asking.
We would like to share some of our upcoming events for our community and we ask that you make this information available to the public as well. Please feel free to contact me for more information or to speak about ways we can affect a positive change in our community. By reaching out, we hope to heal our community from the pain that both depression and suicidal thoughts can inflict on our friends and family. We appreciate any help that you might be able to provide us with.
Here are some of the upcoming Suicide Prevention and Awareness Events hosted by AFSP in our area: Sept. 27: Suicide-Volunteer Training 101: At Knights of Columbus Hall, 3045 Spring St., Hot Springs, 1o a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
Nov. 2: Out of the Darkness Walk: At Clinton Presidential Library, Little Rock (registration is at noon), walk begins at 2 p.m.
Nov. 22: International Survivor of Suicide Loss Day: At First Baptist Church, 2350 Central Ave., Hot Springs, 1-3 p.m. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.
All of these events are open to the public and are free of charge.
It is our goal to save the lives of those we love and we love everyone. Thank you for your time.
Susie Reece
Vicki Stanley
Co-event organizers
For Garland County
Editorial on 08/31/2014