You can personally help end the suicide epedemic

Julie Brenner, Executive Director for North Oakland Community Coalition, sent me this email after I attended Lake Orion's suicide prevention forum. She is asking for people who can provide their expertise to give the community input on how to put an end to the epidemic of suicides within the community. Within the Lake Orion School District, there have been 10 suicides within four years, three happening within the month of November last year. I encourage anyone who has any ideas or anyone who feels like they can help to contact Julie.

Photo credit: The Oakland Press
As you may know, there have been a number of youth suicides in our community. These tragedies bring a multitude of emotions to many of us. In the midst of these painful events, we are also reminded of the great resiliency of our community. Suicide and substance abuse are preventable public health issues, and by working together we can reach out to youth who need our help.

The North Oakland Community Coalition, Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services and Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority, with community support, are in the process of developing a long-term action plan to help youth and community members build skills that they can use as a foundation for a healthy life. This plan includes interventions in schools, parent-focused activities and student-driven initiatives. For instance, a youth focus group is scheduled in the near future with multiple community partners, more information to follow.

We value your input in developing this long-term action plan, and I hope we can count on you to provide your expertise as we work together to help our community. Please consider taking part in a Community Partner Roundtable to begin in the new year.

Please reply to Julie Brenner with your willingness to participate at 248-520-3786 or juliebrenner@northoaklandcoalition.org. Thank you in advance for your support.
 
Together we can make the difference,

Monica's goal is to raise awareness about suicide and help erase the stigma associated with mental illness. In 2012, she won first place in News Enterprise Reporting by the Michigan Press Association for her series on suicide in the community, and in 2013, was named “Digital Innovator of the Year” by the Local Media Association. In 2019, she received the Ambassador Award from the suicide prevention nonprofit Six Feet Over. She started the blog Meant to Live to help others by sharing signs of depression, reasons to live, resources, suicide and bullying prevention groups, other people’s stories and memorials. She especially wants to show people that they are not alone.

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