Farmington Hills To Host Suicide Prevention Event

The City of Farmington Hills invites residents participate in “Talk, Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention.” The event, which takes place Tuesday, March 6, will be presented by Farmington SAFE (Suicide Awareness For Everyone). Organizers say the event may specifically help parents, youth, teachers and members of the faith community - anyone who is or has ongoing contact with young people. There will be a social period for meeting people and casual conversation starting at 6:30 p.m., and the formal program will begin at 7 p.m.

Steve Windom, executive director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in Michigan, will give advice about how to “openly talk about depression and suicide so that people will seek and receive the needed intervention and treatment,” according to a release. Public safety officials will also assist with the event, adding context about the area’s issues with opiate addiction, mental illness, and suicide.

“Across the country, suicide has reached epidemic proportions,” said Farmington Hills Mayor Ken Massey. “A lot of people think it’s not their problem, but in reality it’s the entire community’s problem.”

Other participants include representatives of the Farmington Public Schools, CARES of Farmington Hills (Community Action Resources Empowerment Services), Common Ground, the Suicide Loss Foundation, Kevin's Song, the Emergency Preparedness Commission (EPC), and Henry Ford Maple Grove Center, who will all be available at resource tables, offering information.

The event takes place in the Council Chambers at Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 Eleven Mile Road. The conversation is sponsored by Farmington SAFE and the Graham E. Smith Memorial Fund. Light refreshments will be available. For more information, please call the City Manager’s Office at (248) 871-2500.

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