[Archived] Suicide Risks and Prevention Across the Lifespan

City to Hold Presentation on Suicide Risks and Prevention Across the Lifespan

For Immediate Release: April 24, 2019

Suicide is a large and growing public health problem. According the Centers for Disease Control, suicide was responsible for nearly 45,000 American deaths in 2016, with approximately one death every 12 minutes. Many more people think about or attempt suicide and survive. In 2016, 9.8 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 2.8 million made a plan, and 1.3 million made an attempt.

Suicide affects all ages. It is the second leading cause of death for people 10 to 34 years old, the fourth leading cause among people 35 to 54, and the eighth leading cause among people age 55 to 64.

The City of Alexandria invites the community to a presentation and discussion on Suicide Risks and Prevention Across the Lifespan on Wednesday, May 8 from 7 – 9 p.m. in the auditorium of the Minnie Howard Campus of T.C. Williams High School, located at 3801 W. Braddock Road.  

Congressman Don Beyer will serve as the event’s speaker and moderator. Discussion panelists include: Marcia Jackson, Ed.D., Director, K-12 School Counseling, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS); Officer Bennie Evans, Alexandria Police Department; and Rhonda Williams, LCSW Therapist and Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Department of Community and Human Services.

The event is hosted by: ACPS, the Alexandria Community Service Board, Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center, the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria and Senior Services of Alexandria.  Sponsoring Organizations include: The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Alexandria Health Department and the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia.

For more information, contact Laurie Flynn of the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria at 202.297.4554 or laurieflynn212@gmail.com.