Suicide Prevention Day Event Sept. 13 In New Lenox

(The following press release is from Dan Martin at the village of New Lenox.)

NEW LENOX, IL - The Village of New Lenox and the New Lenox Safe Communities America Coalition, in partnership with the New Lenox Community Park District, are hosting “A Pathway to Hope and Healing,” in support of World Suicide Prevention Day. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13 at the New Lenox Community Park District’s Lions Community Center, 1 Manor Drive.

Informational tables featuring organizations that specialize in mental and behavioral health will be available from 6 to 7 p.m.

Mayor Tim Baldermann will provide the opening remarks for the panel discussion that will begin at 7 p.m.

Panelists include:

Megan Viano-Peron (someone who has lost a loved one to suicide) will discuss how the loss has impacted her life and how she has personally managed grief.

Michelle Jackson (someone who has attempted suicide) will discuss how the event impacted her personally and how she has been able to manage depression since the occurrence. Michelle now speaks professionally about her battles with suicide and is someone who will provide hope to others.

Gia Washington (behavioral health professional from Sertoma Centre, Inc.) will share professional experiences and provide information about educational programs that are available to our community to assist those suffering from depression and suicidal behavior.

Mike Mecozzi (behavioral health professional from Trinity Services, Inc.) will share professional experiences with those suffering from depression and speak about behavioral health resources that are available to individuals and families.

There will be a “Q & A” session available following the presentations where members of the audience will have an opportunity to ask follow-up questions of the panelists.

Participating organizations include:
Sertoma Centre, Inc.
Silver Cross Hospital
Crisis Line of Will and Grundy Counties
H.E.R.O. (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) & “Hidden in Plain Sight” Trailer
NAMI - South Suburbs of Chicago
“Be SMART” Program
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs - comfort dogs will be on hand
Catholic Charities (Loss Program)
Trinity Services, Inc.
Will County Health Department Behavioral Health
Linden Oaks Behavioral Health
Operation T.A.L.K. - Tell, Ask, Listen and Keep (safe)

For additional information regarding this event, contact Daniel Martin, Safe Community Coordinator at the Village of New Lenox, dmartin@newlenox.net or (815) 462-6493.

Image of Mayor Tim Baldermann via New Lenox Patch Editor John Ferak