Traverse City Events: Third Level Crisis Intervention Center, with the Partnership Against Youth Suicide and the Grand Traverse/Leelanau Suicide Prevention Coalition, will host six events during Suicide Prevention Week beginning Thursday, September 6th and running through Friday, September 14th, 2012.
This is an important cause for the well-being of our community's youth and future, and the public is encouraged to take part in these free events. Here are ways that you can help to raise awareness during suicide prevention week 2012:
Community ‘Listening Session’
Thursday, September 6th
Pat Smith, from the Injury & Violence Division at Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), will facilitate a semi-structured discussion about what needs to happen in the State of Michigan regarding suicide prevention. Everyone in the community is invited to participate. The session will begin at 7 p.m. and will last until 8:30 p.m.
World Suicide Prevention Day
Monday, September 10th
Communities throughout Northern Michigan are encouraged to show support by lighting a candle near a window at 8 p.m.
“It’s Kind of a Funny Story”
Tuesday, September 11th
A special edition movie will be shown at the Traverse City State Theatre in celebration of Suicide Prevention Week. “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” addresses the issues of teen suicide in a viewer friendly manner. The movie is rated PG-13 and is free to the public. A casual reception with conversation will follow. The event is sponsored by Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. Visit statetheatretc.org for more movie information.
Wine Party
Wednesday, September 12th
A Wine Party will be held at Left Foot Charley’s from 5 to 7 p.m. – the wine event will feature local wine, food and opportunity to discuss how the community can continue to create a strong support system surrounding suicide prevention, intervention, and recovery. The event will benefit PAYS – Partnership Against Youth Suicide. This is an event for local professionals to interact and network in relaxed atmosphere. Sponsored by NMC Student Life, Mental Wellness Counseling, and Lake Side Counseling.
“Ask the Question”
Thursday, September 13th
An evening dedicated to the youths themselves with an event featuring free music, food and fun…and find out the answer to “Ask the Question”. The event will take place at the Grand Traverse Circuit located at 225 West Fourteenth Street, Traverse City, 6-8:30 pm, with local musicians Sonic Bloom Recording performing. Youths age 14 and above are encouraged to attend to learn how they can help prevent suicide. The event is sponsored by PAYS – Partnership Against Youth Suicide and Third Level Crisis Intervention Center.
Suicide Alertness for Everyone – safeTALK
Friday, September 14th
Wrapping up suicide prevention week 2012 is a Friday, September 14th event in Petoskey. Suicide Alertness for Everyone – safeTALK will get underway at 8:30 a.m. at North Central Michigan College. The session, lasting until noon, is for those interested in learning practical skills to competently and confidently connect a person at risk of suicide to help. The event is sponsored by Suicide Prevention Workgroup of Char-Em Human Services Collaborative Board and Third Level Crisis Intervention Center.
Third Level is dedicated to helping youth, adults and families grow, change and thrive during times of crisis and life transitions. Third Level is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year for crisis intervention counseling and information and referral resources.
Third Level also offers a full continuum of services to run away, homeless and at risk youth, including shelter options, through its Youth Services Programs. Reach a Third Level Counselor at 231-922-4800 or 800-442-7315 or via text Monday – Friday 4:00 pm to 8pm by texting ‘thirdlevel’ to 66746 or visit www.thirdlevel.org