Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Suicide Prevention Task Force is offering two ‘Suicide Prevention 101’ virtual trainings in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month in September. The free trainings will be held on Tue., Sept. 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Tues., Sept. 29 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and are recommended for anyone 15 years or older. Registration is required at oakgov.com/health.

Participants will learn facts about mental health and suicide, warning signs of suicide, and basic techniques to have conversations about suicide based on the latest research. Oakland County mental health resources will also be shared with participants.

The Task Force, established in 2011 to coordinate suicide prevention efforts in Oakland County, has created many resources to bring awareness to the topic and provide guidance on supporting a loved one in need. Key resources include:

A recent survey found that 64% of teens believe “the experience of COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on their generation’s mental health.” In Michigan, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10- 34 and the 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-54. Help is available 24/7. If you or someone you know may be thinking of suicide, going through a hard time, or just need to talk, call or text the Common Ground Resource and Crisis Helpline at 1-800-231-1127 or chat online at www.commongroundhelps.org.

More information about suicide prevention can be found on the Task Force’s website at oakgov.com/suicideprevention. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter or contact Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. Nurse on Call is available 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.