Suicide Prevention is Target of Firearm Violence Group
INDIANAPOLIS - As suicide continues to be a serious national public
health issue, it's a particularly somber phenomenon among diverse populations
throughout Indiana.
Prevention, intervention and public education strategies can help turn
back that trend and that's the focus of the Indiana Partnership to Prevent
Firearm Violence at its annual meeting, Oct. 3.
The partnership, which is based at the Indiana University School of Medicine
and Riley Hospital for Children, will hold a day-long series of workshops
at the Marrot, 2625 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. The meeting features
two speakers of national prominence.
Suicide in Indiana has reached what many believe to be an epidemic level.
According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, Indiana's suicide rate has surpassed the nation's rate
for the past decade. Suicide with a firearm is the second leading cause
of injury death in Indiana.
"It is so important for citizens to know that suicide affects a
wide spectrum of people throughout our state," notes Marilyn Bull,
an IU School of Medicine developmental pediatrician and medical director
of the of the Indiana Partnership to Prevent Firearm Violence. "The
best way to tackle this situation is to bring together a broad range of
people with different backgrounds and turn this dismal trend around."
Donna Barnes, PhD, president and founder of the National Organization
of People of Color Against Suicide, will discuss strategies that are culturally
sensitive and beneficial. Barbara Rubel, director of Griefwork Center
Inc. and author of But I Didn't Say Goodbye: For Parents and Professionals
Helping Suicide Survivors, will discuss understanding sudden loss and
the grieving process.
Other workshops will focus on suicide issues among gay, bisexual and
transgendered youths, seniors and adolescents, prevention and intervention
approaches taken by law enforcement agencies.
The Indiana Partnership to Prevent Firearm Violence is a founding member
of the Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition, which was formed in 2001
in response to the U.S. Surgeon General's call for states to adopt a suicide
prevention program or strategy.
The partnership's annual meeting is sponsored by the IU School of Medicine,
The Clarian Behavioral Care Center, Riley Hospital for Children and the
Mental Health Association in Marion County. To register for the meeting
or to obtain more details, contact Lori Lovett at 317-278-0945 or e-mail
her at llovett@iupui.edu.
###
Media Contact: Joe Stuteville
317-274-7722
jstutevi@iupui.edu
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
A STATEWIDE
RESOURCE
Phone
317 274 7722
Fax
317 278 8722