Novi's SADD Club to Sponsor Depression, Suicide Awareness Program

—Submitted by Novi SADD

’s Students Against Destructive Decisions, in partnership with the City of Novi and Know Resolve, will sponsor “Eliminate the Third,” a program devoted to awareness about depression and suicide among youth Tuesday, March 27 at 6 p.m. in Novi High School’s Fuerst Auditorium.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2007, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. Novi’s SADD Club hopes to raise awareness and share resources through its Eliminate the Third event.

Students and community members are welcome to this free program, which will include a performance by Novi High School’s student social impact theatre group, (awkward pause…) and presentations by Stephanie Pretcher and Know Resolve’s Dennis Liegghio. Know Resolve is a grassroots, non-profit collective dedicated to promoting mental health and reducing suicides.

After being a part of the Bipolar Research Team at the University of Michigan Depression Center, Prechter explored her path in outreach and discovered the desire to share her story. Prechter's passion for mental health advocacy is based on her personal journey with Bipolar Disorder and the tragic suicide of her father, Heinz Prechter, in 2001. Her goal is to promote resilience, encourage empowerment, and inspire hope.

Liegghio’s father committed suicide when Dennis was a teenager. He blamed himself for his dad’s death and struggled with depression, self-destructive behavior, and his own thoughts of suicide. Today, in a truly moving performance, Liegghio re-tells his experiences and passionately raises awareness about depression and suicide through words and music.

At the end of the program, resources will be available to help those suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts.

If you would like more information, please contact the SADD sponsor Kristin Baaki at 248.449.1500 ext. 9031 or at kbaaki@novi.k12.mi.us or contact the SADD student president Evan Nielson at enielson@novi.k12.mi.us.