In Georgia, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 15 to 17 years old. Education regarding risk factors and prevention tools are key to putting an end to this crisis.
In the past five years, 268 youth have taken their own lives in Georgia. For every young person who dies by suicide, national statistics indicate 25 others will have attempted to take their own lives. That means approximately 6,700 other children have attempted suicide during the same time. In response, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations and Child Fatality Review want to start the conversation around what we can do to prevent suicides in the State of Georgia.
The Banks County School System, Banks County Sheriff’s Office and the Banks County Coroner’s Office have joined in partnership with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to host a Youth Suicide Prevention Summit. “This summit serves as an effort to create dialogue on the rising concern of student well-being and mental health. We hope to increase awareness about teen suicide and provide strategies to support our youth and their families,” added Assistant
Superintendent Ann Hopkins.
The Summit will be held on April 23, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Banks County High School Auditorium, 1486 Historic Homer Hwy Homer GA 30547. Parents, educators, students and community members as a whole are encouraged to attend this prevention summit. “Unfortunately, child suicide has become an increasingly alarming
reality in today’s world. This epidemic cannot be fought independently but, as a community, we can make a tremendous impact by educating ourselves in building resiliency amongst our children,” stated Captain Carissa McFaddin.
Attendees will hear from subject matter experts, legislators, local officials and state officials in regards to available resources and plans addressing this issue. Guest speakers will include GBI Director Vic Reynolds, Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed, Senator John Wilkinson, Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Avery Niles, and Banks County Assistant School Superintendent Dr. Ann Hopkins.
