“Breaking the Silence” Suicide Prevention Event this Sunday

By KARLI MAULDIN

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents.

However, few are actually taking the time for this conversation, a fact that the Jason Foundation is hoping to change through events like “Breaking the Silence,” a free event this weekend.

September is National Suicide Prevention month. Organizations like The Jason Foundation will be drawing attention to the problem of suicide and advocating the prevention of this terrible tragedy all month. Teens, parents, coaches, teachers, pastors and other community leaders are invited to open lines of communication and bring the issue of teen suicide out of the shadows and into the light.

“Breaking the Silence” suicide prevention event takes place Sunday, Sept. 25, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9100 Crockett Road in Brentwood. Training awareness and prevention will be provided by The Jason Foundation. Counselors from Trevecca University and Lipscomb University will be available to address any immediate needs or concerns.

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth. JFI’s goal is to establish a Triangle of Prevention by providing students, parents and teachers the tools and resources to help identify and help at-risk youth.