Let's Talk About it Ramsey County, a Mental Health Resource Fair

Ramsey County residents will have the chance to learn more about mental health, mental wellness and suicide prevention through a new community event called “Let’s Talk About It, Ramsey County.” Free and open to the public, the “Let’s Talk About It, Ramsey County” forum will consist of a resource fair, a keynote address featuring a nationally renowned suicide prevention expert, and a panel discussion. Free food and beverages will also be provided.  The forum will be held Thursday, May 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Northwest Youth and Family Services Discovery Center, with free pizza and a resource fair beginning at 5:30 p.m.

 According to American Journal of Public Health, suicide accounts for more deaths among 10- to 

24-year-olds in the United States than do all natural causes combined. Each year, 5% to 8% of adolescents attempt suicide, and up to one third of these attempts result in an injury requiring medical intervention. 18% of Ramsey County 9th Graders report having suicidal thoughts in the last year (2010 MSS data). “Studies have shown that early recognition and treatment are critical components to successful long-term treatment of these illnesses” says Dr. Dan Reidenberg, Executive Director at SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. “As a community, the earlier we can identify those around us who are at risk, the less likely they will be to suffer the long-term consequences of these illnesses.”

The “Let's Talk About It, Ramsey County” program is meant to raise people’s awareness of suicide, to create community conversations and action, and to provide an umbrella of resources and support to Ramsey County residents. The event is being sponsored by the Ramsey County Suicide Prevention Coalition, a broad, public-private partnership including Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative, Ramsey County Departments of Mental Health and Public Health, Schools, Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative, community partners, and private and non-profit Mental Health Service providers. It is funded by the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant of the federal departments of Health and Human Service, Juvenile Justice and Education, with additional support from PrairieCare and Soup It Up.  

Complete details and additional information are available to the public at www.SAVE.org/TALK

Additional background information and perspective about the “Let’s Talk About It, Ramsey County” forum are available at KidsMatterSRFC.org.