Unitarian Universalist Church of ChattanoogaWorld Suicide Prevention
by Kristie McKinley, Vice President of Programs and Member VenUUe Q
Small Group Ministry VenUUe Q will be hosting a suicide and depression prevention program open to the community on Sept. 10 and 11, 2010. These two days will be filled with information providing resources, causes, signs, and a memorial service for those who have been lost to suicide. The event has the main focus of saving a life by providing an education to the community. Our church felt the direct impact of suicide when one of our own members took her life a few years ago. Peggy Cottam was a quiet sixty-ish single woman with striking white hair whose death by her own hand was a surprise to our community. Like all senseless deaths, Peggy’s death brought questions and pain to all of us.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one million people die by suicide every year; this represents a global mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds. Suicide rates in many developing countries have been steadily rising in recent years. In TN, suicide ranks for the 9th leading cause of death throughout the state. Hamilton County has reported that 15,000 people die by suicide every year.
It is often asked, how can we best connect with each other in a world that appears so disconnected? We strongly believe that if our communities work towards being better connected, through sharing information, expertise and time, we can do a great deal to help those who are desperate and in need. World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10, is an opportunity for all sectors of the community including the public, charitable organizations, communities, researchers, clinicians, practitioners, politicians and policy makers, volunteers, those bereaved by suicide, other interested groups and individuals. These individuals can join with the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the WHO to promote understanding about suicide and highlight effective prevention activities.
We are currently seeking help in organizing the event as well as speakers who are credible in this area and have a passion for reaching out to others. If you have additional information or would like to volunteer please contact: Douglas M Harper (423-503-7438) or Steve Hollingsworth (423-697-4593), or Kristie McKinley (423-316-9994).
