Heights Libraries Address Suicide In Upcoming Programs

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Heights Libraries are taking steps to bring awareness to the nation's suicide crisis, and make the community aware of suicide prevention programs. Two different events this month will shed light on the problem.

In 2016, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, according to CDC data. The crisis has touched Americans across the country, and Heights residents asked the library system for prevention and awareness programming. To fulfill this request, the Coventry Branch will devote two evenings in January to discussing the suicide crisis.

The first program will be Thursday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. Recovery Resources trainer Ashley Hartman will present "Let's Talk About Suicide," a suicide-prevention training and discussion on current research and statistics on suicide, reducing stigma, and identifying warning signs. Attendees will also learn how to respond or help someone who may be in need.

Hartman is a certified mental health first aid instructor and is passionate about the field of mental health. She is also a personal fitness trainer, group exercise instructor, certified health education specialist, and Ohio certified prevention specialist.

A week later, on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m., movie director Stephon J. Davis will show his documentary, "A Tale of Two Mothers," which shares the stories of two women who lost children to suicide.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

Davis has directed several award-winning films, many focused on social issues. He has been involved in advocacy and prevention for the past six years, working hand-in-hand with The Center for Families and Children, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Ohio Men’s Action Network, Ohio Domestic Violence Network and recently founded, Reel Stories Real People. Davis is also a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Council and Ohio Suicide Prevention Coalition.

The Coventry branch is located at 1925 Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights. Both programs are free and open to all.

Photo from Shutterstock