Oakland County Is Hosting A Community Discussion On Suicide

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI -- A community discussion will be held in Oakland County surrounding one of the most sensitive but timely topics today.

Oakland County Suicide Prevention Task Force will host their 6th annual Community Discussion on May 23, 2019 at Oakland Community Health Network, 5505 Corporate Drive, in Troy, from 9 a.m. to noon. The focus for the discussion is “Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan” and will address risk factors that can lead to suicide during different life stages.

It is anticipated that over 100 community members and professionals will gather to discuss the topic and prevention strategies.

“National and local data shows suicide rates rising among all age groups,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County Health Division. “Learning how to help individuals with suicidal thoughts at various stages in their life is important to prevent tragedies from occurring.”

Speakers at the event will share their knowledge and personal experience about suicide: Jeff Olson, creator of the “Do it for Daniel” documentary will speak about his teenage son’s mental health struggle; Amanda Stein, a member of the Oakland County Suicide Prevention Task Force, will focus on middle-aged adults and share her personal experience with suicide; finally, Steve Windom, Michigan Area Director of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will discuss warning signs and risk factors for suicide in older adults.

Registration is requested at www.oakgov.com/health.

A light breakfast will be provided. Community resource tables highlighting local organizations will also be onsite. Havenwyck Hospital and Oakland County Youth Assistance are co-sponsoring this event with the Task Force.

Learn more about suicide prevention at www.oakgov.com/suicideprevention.