It’s National Suicide Awareness Week in C.O.
Central Oregon recognizes National Suicide Prevention Awareness this week, and there are several events you can participate in.
The Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance has partnered with community organizations to bring awareness and provide events and resources to prevent suicide attempts and deaths. The World Health Organization reports that one person takes their own life every 40 seconds, and more people die by suicide every year than in war.
The 2019 Regional Oregon Health Assessment reported that in 2017, Central Oregon saw the highest number of suicide in the last 10 years. The average age range among individuals who took their own lives in Oregon are between 15 and 44 years of age, and more than half of these suicides are completed with firearms.
Tuesday evening, a special art display opens that features famous individuals who have taken their own lives.
The “Dead Poets Art” exhibit at the Peterson Roth Gallery in downtown Bend seeks to show the similarities and differences between celebrities and everyday people who share the struggle, illustrating that success does not always equate to gratification.
A “suicide thought-leadership” discussion is also planned Tuesday evening, and among the participants will be visiting, well-known actress Mariel Hemingway.
Artist Nicola Carpinelli has dealt with his own struggles involving suicide.
“i just feel that this show is important, it’s important that we approach it from many angles as we can,” Carpinelli said. “And that’s why we have these professionals here. I’m curious of what is going to be said, I want to know too. I think there are lot of different reasons why someone might want to take their life, and we need to broaden that spectrum. “
Other Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Awareness Week events include:
True Stories
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m.,
St. Charles Conference Rooms C & D, 2500 NE Neff Road, Bend
How we publicly communicate and talk about suicide can have a negative or positive impact. Hear from local suicide prevention experts and community members on how communication can be a powerful tool to promote resiliency, encourage help-seeking, and save lives.
Register at http://preventsuicideco.org/events/suicide-prevention-week-true-stories/
Stress Less with Mindfulness
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m.,
OSU Extension, 3800 SW Airport Way, Building #4, Redmond
This event introduces participants to the experience and practice of mindfulness to reduce stress. Stress Less with Mindfulness teaches and encourages the use of mindfulness self-care skills to help one feel better and enjoy life more.
Register at http://preventsuicideco.org/events/suicide-prevention-week-stress-less-! with-mindfulness/
Candlelight Vigil
Thursday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.,
Bend-La Pine Schools Education Center, 520 NW Wall St., Bend
This event is for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. The vigil includes poetry, music, and a local loss survivor who will share their story. Attendees will have the opportunity to light a candle to honor their loved one at sunset. Candles will be provided.
Register at http://preventsuicideco.org/events/suicide-prevention-week-candlelight-vigil/
NAMI-CO Stomp out Stigma Stomp-A-Thon
Saturday, Sept. 14, noon
Skyview Middle School Track Field, 63555 NE 18 th St., Bend
Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Central Oregon’s Stomp-A-Thon and stomp around the track to stomp out the stigma around mental illness. Gather pledges and see how many laps you can walk around the track! Local providers and resources will be on hand. Enjoy music, games, and food for the whole family. All money raised will stay within the Central Oregon region.
Learn more at http://namicentraloregon.org/event/stomp-out-stigma-2/
