District Hosting Suicide Awareness Forum

Boro SAFE (Suicide Awareness For Everyone) the suicide awareness and prevention committee will hold a forum on June 26 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Robert Gulick Auditorium.

The forum will provide local business owners, community leaders, clergy, physicians, educators and parents with information on the role each can play in educating and providing awareness regarding suicide prevention to the Hillsborough community.

Over the past 15 years, Hillsborough Township has experienced at least 11 confirmed suicides, according to a release from the district. Hillsborough Township Public Schools actively educate students about suicide in an age-appropriate manner, but the issue is broader than the schools. Boro SAFE aims to bring education and awareness to the community-at-large.

The goal of this forum is to bring community and business leaders together to discuss the impact of this public health issue and put together an action plan to raise awareness that suicide is preventable and that resources are available.

The keynote speaker for the forum is Donna Amundson, LCSW, head of the statewide Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth Program (TLC). Amundson’s present work at the TLC involves developing and implementing suicide prevention and postvention programs for youth-serving individuals.

A panel discussion, moderated by New York Times best-selling author Eric Marcus, will be held following the keynote. Marcus is the author of "Why Suicide? Questions & Answers About Suicide, Suicide Prevention, and Coping with the Suicide of Someone You Know." He currently serves on the national board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The panel discussion will focus on the impact of suicide on Hillsborough and how those in attendance can make a difference. Panel members will include a diverse group of professionals and community members.

All residents are invited to attend and walk-ins are welcome. Those interested in the program are asked to RSVP to rbellantuono@hillsborough.k12.nj.us or call 908-431-6600, extension 2387 by June 15.