Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention on Nov 17th

Hello again

Exciting news! Below I pasted the flyer annoucement for the first ever Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention meeting. I hope you are intersted and can make it. Don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts about things you would like to see on the agenda. Thank you.

Have you been touched by Suicide?

Are you a survivor yourself, or through a loved one, friend, family members, co-workers? Do you work with suicidal clients? Suicides not only affect the individual but the whole community. In Massachusetts suicide deaths are three times the rate of homicides deaths. The suicide rate in rural areas like Berkshire County is higher compared to other areas of the state. Yet evidence-based research shows that suicide is preventable. The Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) is forming a coalition in Berkshire County to help reduce the suicide rate in our community. All members are invited – youth, professionals, public officials, and concerned citizens. The purpose of this coalition is to:
· Network & create partnerships to increase awareness of suicide as a preventable public heath problem;
· Reduce stigma associated with suicide as a significant barrier to help-seeking;
· Influence the provision of services directed at populations at high-risk of suicide;
· Influence public policy in regards to suicide prevention services;
· Create strategies, goals & objectives to reduce the incidence of suicide.

What: Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention Meeting
(A Project of Berkshire CHNA Youth Suicide Prevention Project)

When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Crowne Plaza, Top of the Plaza, One West Street, Pittsfield

Tuna & Chicken Salad Wraps, chips and cold drinks will be served.
Please RSVP by Thursday, November 12, 2009 to Sheila Dargie at sdargie@berkshireahec.org or (413) 447-2417

“The Key to Solving the Puzzle is Your Involvement”

For more information contact:
Jon Phillips, Project Coordinator
(413) 447-2417
jphillips@berkshireahec.org