SANFORD, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) along with the Florida Linking Individuals Needing Care (FL LINC) project and other community partners is hosting the Suicide Prevention Training & Resource Fair, on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County Auditorium located at 400 West Airport Boulevard, Sanford.

“Suicide is a major public health concern. Knowing the risk factors and warning signs of suicide can help save lives. The QPR training is a valuable Suicide Prevention tool,” said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

The event includes the free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) basic suicide prevention training that shares suicide statistics, myths and facts, risk factors and warning signs, and creates community gatekeepers able to identify suicide risk, talk with suicidal people, and enlist help and resources. Attendees can also visit local vendors to learn more about resources available to help identify and prevent suicide.

Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families and communities. It is important to talk about suicide and be prepared to help someone in need. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24. Suicide is also preventable with an educated and action-oriented community.

“Suicide prevention is everyone's business because people at risk will most likely go to someone they know before they ever see a mental health professional. Seminole County is educating the community in the ways each of us can help, and it will save lives,” said Lindsay Brown, Regional Suicide Prevention Specialist of Florida Linking Individuals Needing Care (FL LINC) Project.

If you are interested in registering for the training, please contact Lindsay Brown at Lindsay@fccmh.org or call (407) 665-3260.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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