Nov. 17 program set on suicide prevention

Indiana News Service reported on Jan. 4, 2016 that Indiana is first in the nation for the number of young people who’ve considered suicide, and is No. 2 for those who’ve actually killed themselves.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide has been the second leading cause of death among teenagers in Indiana since 2009.

The CDC 2015 suicide rate for the U.S. is listed as 12.97 per 100,000, Indiana suicide rate as 14.28, and Putnam County suicide rate as 14.64.

The signs of potential suicide are not always recognizable but if someone close to the potential victim acts quickly to get help for the one affected, the life can almost certainly be saved.

Learn how you can become an ally for someone you know who may be considering suicide and how you can save their lives by attending a dynamic informational seminar presented jointly at no cost by Mental Health America of Putnam County and Purdue Extension Agency on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Peeler Art Center Auditorium.

Greg Allen, mental health first aid trainer for Hamilton Center will be the presenter. Firsthand accounts of near suicide victims telling their own stories make this a dynamic presentation you will not want to miss. Professional Growth Certificates will be available for those who attend.

For more information about this program email info@mhaopc.org, call Mental Health American in Putnam County at 653-3310, or Jennifer Cannon, Purdue Extension educator, 653-8411. You do not need to preregister.