At least six people commit suicide every day in Texas, and 30 are hospitalized for attempted suicide.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death for Texans and the third leading cause among youth ages 15 to 24.
To bring awareness to this statewide issue and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the City of Mesquite’s virtual Community Health Forum focuses on mental health issues associated with suicide.
The virtual forum takes place Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. as part of the Recovery Mesquite efforts to assist community members in moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The free forum will feature Shirley Weddle, Domingo Rodriguez, Skylar Woods-Nunley, and Sharon Kim.
Long-time Mesquite resident Weddle is a community liaison and mental and brain health suicide prevention advocate after losing her son to suicide in 2014.
Rodriguez is a 20-year retired Navy veteran and is the Military Veteran Peer Network – Peer Service Coordinator for Metrocare Services of Dallas County. He concentrates on community members and the military culture, suicide prevention, moral injury, and trauma-affected veterans.
A licensed clinical social worker, Woods-Nunley is a coordinator for the Mental Health Ministry at St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in the East Dallas area. She strives to eliminate the stigma attached to seeking mental health services and promoting mental wellness.
Kim, the executive director at Mustard Seed Generation, is on a mission to spark mental health dialogue in the Korean American community. She leads bilingual and bicultural workshops and conferences for Korean American parents, students, and community leaders.
To join the Zoom virtual forum, use the following information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83513804268 or phone 346-248-7799 or 253-215-8782. The Webinar ID is 835 1380 4268.