On September 24, Parkridge Valley Hospital joins with UTC, the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network and Hixson United Methodist Church to offer events to raise awareness for suicide prevention in the Chattanooga area.
"Although suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in Tennessee, mortality rates increase in younger and middle-age demographics: It’s the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 25-34; the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 15-24; and the 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-54," officials said.
Kevin Hines, one of 34 people to survive jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, will present a keynote address at Closing the Gap – a daytime event at HUMC – and also share his story at an evening event at UTC. Both events are open to the public.
List of events for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month:
- Sept. 13, 8:30-10 p.m. at UC Heritage Room, Question, Persuade, Refer Workshop: “How to Recognize and Help a Friend in Need,” Refreshments provided
- Sept. 18, 8:30-10 p.m. at Derthick Hall 101, Movie Screening: Kevin Hines Event “The Ripple Effect,” Refreshments provided
- Sept. 19, 8:30-10 p.m. at UC Fortwood Room, Question, Persuade, Refer Workshop: “How to Recognize and Help a Friend in Need,” Refreshments provided
- Sept. 24 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Hixson United Methodist Church, 5301 Old Hixson Pike, Closing the Gap Conference: "The Intersection of Suicide and Substance Abuse," breakfast and lunch included
- Sept. 24 8-10 p.m. at UC Auditorium, Speaker, Kevin Hines, meet Mr. Hines and hear his personal story of survival, “Hope Helps Heal: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt,” Refreshments and free t-shirts
- Sept. 27, 5-8 p.m. at UC Room 350, Book Club Discussion: Kevin Hines’ “Cracked, Not Broken,” Free books available in UC Room 399