Wednesday, October 21, 2015

More than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education

Michelle Peterson, co-founder and president of The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preventing suicide, will be our featured speaker at CE-NET on Thursday, November 12, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Diocesan Office in Newport News. 
 
Michelle will be sharing a suicide prevention program that has clear relevance for faith communities. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24. Michelle's session will educate us about suicide and prompt us to consider how our faith communities can take part in reducing teen suicide. The program has been designed to increase the understanding of the problem of teen suicide, identify risk factors, and highlight warning signs of youth suicide, so that adults who work with youth are better prepared to identify and refer students who may be at risk.
 
Ms. Peterson is committed to increasing the number and quality of suicide prevention programs provided for adolescents in the high school and middle school years and presents depression awareness and suicide prevention programs for teens, families, and those who work with them. Michelle is a survivor of suicide. In 2014, her daughter, Sarah, died by suicide at the age of fifteen. An active participant in her community, Michelle is a member of the Maury High School Booster Board and is the chairman of the Youth Advisory Committee at First Lutheran Church of Norfolk. As a parent of four children, she has volunteered with many school and community groups as a Girl Scout Leader, Vacation Bible School Director, Sunday School teacher, PTA Board Member, and leader or member of many committees. Michelle earned a B.A. from Michigan State University and is a former school teacher.
 
Join us for this informative and interactive session! Thursday, November 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Diocesan Office, 11827 Canon Blvd., Suite 101, Newport News.