The following is an announcement from Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention:
More than 400 suicide prevention advocates will come together Wednesday evening, Nov. 18 in the University of Washington’s HUB Grand Ballroom to Care, Connect, Build at Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention’s third annual event to raise awareness that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. Funds also will be raised for the suicide prevention cause.
The event begins at 6:30 with an appetizer buffet. There will be live music by local composers Sam Foster and pianist Matthew Felton; a keynote speech by Executive Director Matt Taylor, and field reports from a police chaplain, a Facebook project manager and a Seattle high school counselor. Tracy Taylor of KING5-TV will emcee.
Four award-winners also will be recognized:
- Seattle resident Marny Lombard, formerly of Spokane, will receive the Tina Orwall Public Service Award for her tireless efforts to grow Washington’s suicide prevention movement.
- The Sue Eastgard Training Excellence Award will be presented to Jeffrey Sung, M.D., an acting instructor with the UW Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and president-elect of the Washington State Psychiatric Association, and Keith Myers, LICSW, a practicing clinician and vice president of clinical and training services for Wellspring Counseling in King County.
- Everett Daily Herald reporter Diana Hefley will receive the 2015 Award for Excellence in Coverage of Mental Health and Suicide for her article on Caroline Hetherwick Goza, “An Advocate for Parents Whose Children Struggle With Mental Illness.”
- The KING5-TV news staff will receive a special commendation for its efforts to educate the public about suicide, mental health, hope and recovery.
Forefront is a social impact organization housed in the UW School of Social Work. It led the historic passage of three pieces of legislation making Washington the first state in the nation to require suicide prevention training for mental health professionals, doctors, nurses, teachers, and school. It has trained over 2,000 professionals; provided Forefront Cares support to 40 newly bereaved individuals, and trained dozens of volunteers. Forefront also is leading efforts to promote comprehensive approaches to suicide prevention in high schools and institutions of higher education.
There is no cost to attend the event, but registration (at www.intheforfront.org) is required and guests will be encouraged to make a meaningful gift to advance Forefront’s suicide prevention mission.
The Annual suicide awareness event happens 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at the Grand Ballroom, Husky Union Building (HUB), University of Washington.
Are you or someone you know experiencing suicidal thoughts? Call 800-273-8255, the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which will connect you with local phone support.
