As part of National Suicide Prevention Week, Allen County based STOP Suicide Northeast Indiana coalition announces a suicide survivor candlelight ceremony at the historic Wells Street Bridge on Thursday, September 8, 2016.
The public is invited to the candle lighting ceremony that begins at 7 PM on the north end of the bridge. A survivor of suicide loss will share her thoughts about hope and prevention, and those attending will walk across the Wells Street Bridge as a commitment to life after suicide loss. “Losing a loved one to suicide is a traumatic, heart wrenching experience. The loss is compounded by the stigma and shame in our society regarding suicide. This event offers family and friends the opportunity to honor a loved one who has lost his or her life to suicide and to share messages of hope,” according to Colleen Carpenter, Facilitator, STOP Suicide coalition.
STOP Suicide Northeast Indiana, Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana, and Parkview Behavioral Health will also be distributing Information about suicide loss, how to prevent future suicide, and mental health.
In 2015, 44 individuals died by suicide in Allen County. Indiana has the highest percentage of high schoolers thinking of suicide in the U.S. with 1 in 5 admitting they have seriously considered suicide (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, 2011). In recent years, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has found that the suicide rate among adults age 35 and 64 has risen 28 percent.
The event is sponsored by the STOP Suicide Northeast Indiana Coalition along with support from Mental Health America in Northeast Indiana and Parkview Behavioral Health. For more information about the organization visit www.stopsuicidenow.org or call Colleen Carpenter at 260.422.3894.
Press Release – Survivors Candlelight Vigil (Sept 2016) (003).pdf