Suicide Prevention Week

National Suicide Prevention Week is September 8-14, and September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.  The Shasta County Suicide Prevention Workgroup wants the community to spread the message that "Suicide Prevention is Everyone's Business" and invites participation in several activities.

Locally, the workgroup seeks to raise awareness that an average of 41 Shasta County residents die by suicide each year.  "Hundreds more are left coping with the aftermath of these deaths.  This does not include the many more who struggle to cope with or recover from an attempted suicide or self-injury," said Theresa Tibbett, Community Education Specialist.  "But there is hope, there is help."

Among the activities planned for the week:

• Shasta College and the Shasta County Suicide Prevention Workgroup will host a free screening of the film "Here One Day" from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 8 at the Redding Library.
• Shasta College will offer free depression screenings from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, September 11 at Shasta College.
• Stand Against Stigma and Called to Move (CTM) will co-sponsore the "Hope is Alive!" Open Mic Night from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, September 12, at Sweet Spot, 1675 Hilltop Drive, Redding.
• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will hold a community-wide "Out of Darkness" Walk from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, September 13 at the Sundial Bridge.

For more information or to register for the walk, and for ways to participate in suicide prevention in Shasta County, visit www.shastasuicideprevention.com.