Posted
For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 04, 2013
Event is full; taking names for waiting list.UPDATED: 04/11/2013
Washington County mental health providers, first responders, elected officials, business leaders, clergy, family members, educators and other community members are convening a "Summit of Hope" on Thursday, May 2, to discuss suicide prevention. The public is invited to attend and participate, but space is limited and registration is required.
The group will discuss the scope of suicide in the county, share information about current efforts to prevent suicide and brainstorm ideas for future initiatives. The ultimate goal of the Summit is to create a Suicide Prevention Council for Washington County.
From 2003-2010, there were 464 suicide deaths in Washington County. In 2010 alone, there were 72, accounting for 79% of all violent deaths in the county. Data just released reveals that 82 county residents died by suicide in 2011. "Suicide is preventable," says Amy Baker, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Washington County Mental Health. "We know when we are able to identify those at risk for suicidal behavior and intervene early we can save lives."
The Summit of Hope takes place on Thursday, May 2, from 8:00-11:00 a.m., at the Northwest Regional Educational Services District in Hillsboro. To register or for more information, contact Amy Baker at 503-846-4575. Registration is open until April 25 or until the event is at capacity, whichever comes first.
4/11/2013 UPDATE: The event is at capacity. Please use the contact information above to put your name on the waiting list.
Media Contact:
Wendy Gordon, Communications Coordinator/PIO503-846-3634
[email protected]