September 2016


Help, Hope & Healing on World Suicide Prevention Day               

Thirteen years after it launched, World Suicide Prevention Day has truly become an international effort - one that took root this month in Tampa Bay.

The event fosters connections and encourages communication about suicide prevention. On the afternoon of Sept. 10, the Tampa Bay Suicide Prevention Task Force and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay held a special World Suicide Prevention Day event for the public at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.

The theme for the 2016 event was "Family Coping with Suicide and Mental Health."

Brent Kraus, who co-founded Ella Bing Bow Ties in memory of his brother, shared his family's journey after the loss of his brother and stressed the importance of increasing awareness about suicide prevention resources.

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore a community resource fair and hear from people who had been personally impacted by suicide. The Synchrony Dance Company did an interpretive dance performance illustrating the struggle people go through when a loved one is battling thoughts of suicide.

You can view Brent's keynote speech HERE and the Synchrony performance HERE.

Anyone who is having thoughts of suicide can call 1-800-273-TALK and receive support 24-hours a day. In Hillsborough County, these calls are answered by Intervention Specialists in the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's 2-1-1 Contact Center.