Oakland County Youth Suicide Topic of Friday Forum

TROY, MI – A panel of speakers, including a young man with experience navigating the mental health system, are among those who will share information about suicide prevention and care coordination at the 4th Annual Youth Suicide Prevention Community Forum Friday, May 20.

The event sponsored by the Oakland County Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force takes place from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road, in Banquet Rooms 304 and 305.

“Youth suicide is an important public health issue,” Kathy Forzley, manager/health officer of the Oakland County Health Division, said in a news release. “Ensuring that all community resource providers work together in an effort to provide a safety net for youth who need help is the first step in working towards a suicide-free Oakland County.”

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Among the highlights of the event, the Community Network Services Anti-Stigma Team will provide a program based upon the “Wizard of Oz” that highlights the struggle of patients seeking help. Luke Goode, a young man with personal experience navigating the system, will discuss challenges and opportunities regarding care coordination.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sponsors National Prevention Week during the third week of May each year to raise awareness of substance abuse, mental health, and suicide issues.

Oakland County Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force partners include Oakland County Health Division, Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority, Common Ground, Oakland Schools, Beaumont Health, Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, Easter Seals, Oakland Family Services, Training & Treatment Innovations, Oakland University, and G. Colombini Counseling PLLC.

Image credit: Ryan_M651 via Flickr / Creative Commons