Suicide prevention event to be geared toward all ages

In order to combat the 10th leading cause of death among Americans of all ages, the city of Bloomington will have “Suicide Prevention from Different Perspectives” from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at City Hall.

Bloomington’s Community and Family Resources Department and the Area 10 Agency on Aging are sponsoring the program.

“We wanted to partner together to create a program, and while discussing different issues, we thought suicide was a issue that affected all age groups,” said Nancy Woolery, health projects manager for the Community and Family Resources
Department.

Woolery said the program is designed to raise awareness and provide information about suicide prevention to friends, family and caregivers.

Each year, more than 34,000 people commit suicide and more than 376,000 people with self-inflicted injuries are treated in emergency rooms, according to a news release.

“Suicide affects people of all age groups and backgrounds,” said Alesha Rogers, public health intern for Area 10 Agency on Aging.

Rogers said the event features presentations by health professionals who are knowledgeable about suicide prevention, awareness and advocacy.

Woolery said the event is designed to address the multiple perspectives of suicide and is geared to all audiences, including youth, middle-aged adults and the elderly.

“The elderly have thoughts of suicide, too,” Woolery said. “Many have lost a spouse, are lonely or have friends who have already passed away.”

Woolery said in addition to having speakers, time will be allotted for questions and answers.

“It’s important to address the issue from the viewpoint of a family member who has lost someone, but also as a professional, who has to deal with a client who has committed suicide,” Rogers said.

Along with a variety of speakers, the event will feature different advocacy and service groups.

Woolery said booths will be set up in the atrium of City Hall, featuring local Bloomington groups like the Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Survivors of Suicide and the Out of the Darkness campaign.

The event is free and does not require registration.