The tragedy of suicide continues to devastate the residents of our community. While suicide prevention efforts are ongoing, much work remains to be done. The Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition continues to work toward the goal of connecting the people of Berrien County to the information and resources they need for emotional wellness, thereby preventing suicide.
As part of their suicide prevention effort, the Coalition is hosting its Fourth Annual Candlelight Vigil. That Vigil is planned to take place on World Suicide Prevention Day 2017, which is Sunday, September 10, 2017. The public is invited to meet at The Veranda at The Whitcomb in St. Joseph. Following a brief ceremony from 8:00-8:30pm, light refreshments will be provided along with the opportunity to connect with others interested in suicide prevention.
The Candlelight Vigil gives families and friends of those lost to suicide the opportunity to honor the loved one’s life and keep their memories alive. Participants are welcome to bring a photo of their loved one to share. As part of the ceremony, participants will be given the opportunity to tell the name of the one lost to suicide. This event also brings awareness of the need for suicide prevention to our community.
The Coalition functions as an advisory committee of Berrien Mental Health Authority and seeks to bring interested organizations and individuals together for the cause of suicide prevention. To learn more about the Coalition, when it meets, and how to be involved, you can click this link: http://BerrienCares.org
For more information on the Candlelight Vigil or on the Coalition, you can contact Trent Watford, trentwatford@gmail.com or 269-428-7226.
The Candlelight Vigil: It’s a time to remember. It’s a time to connect. It’s a time to increase awareness of the need for suicide prevention.
