CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Gathering will address suicide prevention, hope, healing

The Grand Island Independent - 3/2/2017

KEARNEY - A free gathering will give the community an opportunity to come together to hear speakers, be involved in panel discussions, and learn about suicide postvention and local resources.

The gathering will be from 7-8:30 p.m.March 27 at the World Theatre at 2318 Central Ave., according to Hope and Healing; A Life Intervention Project created by the Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Coalition.

Panelists have been selected to work together to answer questions about resources in the community, ideas to support youths and adults regarding suicide, grief and depression. Panelists will be prepared to address myths that individuals hear about suicide and how a community can get involved to learn the facts.

Panelists will represent Region 3 Behavioral Health Services, Central NE LOSS, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney Police Department, Kearney Public Schools, mental health professionals, faith community, youth advocates, HealthyMINDS Collaborative, and Buffalo County Community Partners

Community members can ask questions in a forum in which speakers will provide answers through sharing resources, trainings and programs. Panelists are accepting advance questions at www.bcchp.org/hopeandhealing to assist in providing resources to best fit the community's current needs.

The Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Coalition formed on Jan. 20 when community members joined in the monthly meeting for the Buffalo County Suicide Prevention Steering Committee. Their discussion inspired community action steps to promote messages of hope and healing, to reduce the stigma of suicide and mental illness, provide an open dialogue through a community forum for community members to learn more about mental health and suicide, and learn more about the available resources in our area for suicide prevention and postvention.

A National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255, supported statewide by Boys Town. Richard Young Hospital offers 24/7 help line at 800-930-0031.