Community Voices Coming Together for Suicide Prevetion

Franklin County Public Health is pleased to announce Community Voices Coming Together for Suicide Prevention, a powerful event focused on hope, resilience and mental health that will bring together community members, experts, and advocates to share their voices and insights on this important topic.

The event takes place Friday, May 10th from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Whitehall Community Park YMCA located at 402 North Hamilton Road. Residents can register to attend for free here.

The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Aimee Shadwick from RecoveryOhio. Panelists include:

 

  • Gabe Howard: Author and award-winning podcast host of The Inside Bipolar Podcast from Healthline.

 

  • Dana Brock: Program and Quality Assurance Manager at Impact Community Action and founder of the nonprofit The Lives Worth Saving Foundation.

 

  • Brandy Swickard and JoJo Taylor: Staff members at Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors Community Services.

 

Attendees will have access to educational resources from local mental health and addiction and recovery organizations, lifesaving trainings including Narcan administration and “Stop the Bleed,” and receive a limited number of firearm and medication lockboxes. Food will be provided by Dos Hermanos and Flavor 91 Bistro Food Trucks free of charge to attendees.

“Suicide is a serious public health concern here in Franklin County that has lasting harmful effects not only for the families it touches but also for our workplaces, schools, and communities,” said Kristin Howard, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Franklin County Public Health.

This event is part of the Spring Prevention Series, hosted by the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition, with support from The Columbus Foundation, Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County, and Mental Health America of Ohio.