Press Release
Monday, August 27th, 2012
End the Stigma. Heal the Hurt. Save lives. Educational Forum on Suicide Prevention to be Held in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, VA –On September 11, 2012, from 5:30 – 8:30 P.M. the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Virginia Beach (NAMI, VB), I Need A Lighthouse, and the Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health will partner to invite community members and leaders to get involved in ending the stigma against mental illness, helping individuals with mental illness to heal, and saving lives. The evening will include dinner from 5:30 – 6:30, a keynote address from Dottie Pacharis, nationally recognized author and suicide prevention advocate and a panel discussion about current responses to mental illness and suicide and what is still desperately needed. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available.
According the the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) , one in four adults and one in 10 children experience mental health disorders. The cost of untreated mental illness to the individual and our society is “staggering” and includes unnecessary unemployment, reliance on disability services, incarceration and suicide. Mental illness is treatable. Suicide is preventable.
In her book, Mind on the Run, keynote speaker, Dottie Pacharis shares the story of her son’s 13 year struggle with bipolar disorder and eventual suicide. She will highlight her journey for participants and shed light on what was a very preventable outcome for her son. Other members of the panel for the evening include Calvin Nunnally, founder of Know More Bullying; Carolyn Wood, MS, of the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs, Virginia Beach Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division; Robert Jamison, MS, Guidance Director at Cox High School; Albie Viola, suicide survivor; as well as a police officer from the Virginia Beach Crisis Intervention Team.
The event host, Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health, is a dedicated community partner in treating mental illness and preventing suicide. Kempsville Center’s parent company is the National Clinical Affiliate of the Jason Foundation and a national sponsor of NAMI. Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health has certified Jason Foundation staff that provide free youth suicide awareness/prevention inservices to educators, youth leaders and other community groups.Register for this event by going to www.kempsvillecbh.com or call (757)461-4565. For information about getting involved with NAMI – Virginia Beach, visit their website at www.namivirginiabeach.org or call (757) 499-2041.