Royal Oak Addresses Suicide Prevention Wednesday

The City of Royal Oak is taking a proactive approach to prevention of a growing epidemic that remains largely silent in most communities: suicide.  

To break the silence, Royal Oak SAFE (Suicide Awareness is For Everyone), will present an "Evening of Empowerment," on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave. 

Featured speakers include Jeff Edwards, president of the Michigan Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, who lost his 12-year old son, Chase, to suicide in 2003; 15-year old Emily Harris, who survived her brother's suicide and is eager to share her journey; Dr. William S. Miles, Director of Psychiatric Inpatient Services at Beaumont Royal Oak, and others.  

Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with organizations including: 

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Royal Oak Senior Center
• Common Ground
• HAVEN
• Beaumont Health System (including their BRIDGE program)
• Royal Oak Community Coalition
• Royal Oak Youth Assistance
• Oakland County Community Mental Health
• Inner Door Center
• South Oakland Shelter
• Oakland Family Services
• Catholic Social Services
• Recovery Consultants International
• Eastwood Clinic
  University of Michigan Depression Center

If you go

• When: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 
• Where: Royal Oak Middle School Auditorium, 709 N. Washington Ave.  
• Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.       
• Program: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Source: Royal Oak Safe