Suicide Prevention International's Annual Life Lines Luncheon

SUICIDE PREVENTION INTERNATIONAL TO HOST LIFE LINES LUNCHEON TO HELP REDUCE SUICIDE AMONG VETERANS OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS  

SPI and the Gary Sinise Foundation to Announce Collaboration to Assist Veterans

Suicide Prevention International (SPI) will be hosting its annual Life Lines Luncheon at the University Club in Manhattan on November 16, 2011. The luncheon will honor three individuals for their outstanding commitment to suicide prevention. A formal announcement will also be made about a collaboration between SPI and the Gary Sinise Foundation to assist veterans who suffer from the physical and psychological aftermath of combat.

According to SPI, suicide is the eighth major cause of death worldwide. There are one million suicides a year and several hundred million people suffering from serious depression. Suicide is the second major cause of death for women aged 15-44 and the fourth major cause of death for men in that age group. In the U.S., suicide is now the second major cause of death among college students and the third major cause of death among those aged 15-24.

The Luncheon will honor the following three individuals for their dedication to suicide prevention:  

Christie Civetta, a Scarsdale, NY resident and Northeastern University sophomore, will receive SPI’s "Survivors Award" for her remarkable accomplishments in raising awareness among young people and gaining corporate support for SPI’s youth suicide prevention initiatives. Civetta was personally affected by tragedy during her freshman year at Scarsdale High School, when her step-father died by suicide two days after Christmas in 2006.

Herbert Hendin, M.D., CEO of Suicide Prevention International, and a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY, will receive a "Lifetime Achievement Award" for his exceptional contributions to suicide awareness and prevention. He is currently utilizing that expertise in SPI’s work with veterans. Dr. Hendin is one of two U.S. experts on suicide prevention selected to advise the World Health Organization in its global suicide prevention activities.

Gary Sinise, stage, screen and television star and Oscar and Emmy nominee, most notable for his performance in such hits as Forrest Gump, Apollo 13 and CSI New York, will receive SPI’s "Humanitarian Award" for his work (and that of the Gary Sinise Foundation) on behalf of combat veterans. His philanthropic work has led him to become only the second actor to have won the Presidential Citizens Medal, America’s highest civilian honor. Gary has actively contributed to the work of the Defense Department and the VA to encourage veterans and their loved ones to seek help with post-traumatic stress and other behavioral problems. Gary welcomes the opportunity to support SPI’s work in preventing suicide among veterans by improving the treatment they receive.

Colonel Willard Buhl, U.S. Marine Corps, will be a guest speaker at the Luncheon. Drawing on his own experiences, Colonel Buhl will address the problem of suicide in the armed services and among veterans. He will also express his appreciation for the collaboration of Suicide Prevention International and the Gary Sinise Foundation to help in these efforts.

To learn more about Suicide Prevention International and its initiatives, please visit www.spiorg.org.