Syracuse-area family members touched by suicide and those who’ve attempted suicide will gather Wednesday evening for a memorial to observe World Suicide Prevention Day. Organizers say the event is intended to show that resources are available to help survive a crisis, and to offer hope to those at risk. Program Coordinator for Volunteer Services at Contact Community Services Laurie Best says it’s a myth that talking about suicide will cause vulnerable people to act on it.
Perhaps the most recent and high-profile suicide was comedian and actor Robin Williams. Best says his death did more than just raise awareness about suicide and mental illness.
"It also provides opportunities for us to be able to provide more training for individuals in the community whether they are in the mental health field, the medical field, or the general population at large...that if you have these kinds of skills to help an individual who might be at risk for suicide, then you can potentially help to save a person's life."
Wednesday's candle lighting memorial will be held at Long Branch Park in Liverpool starting at 5:45. Contact’s crisis and suicide hotline is 251-0600.
