Learn More About Suicide, Substance Abuse Ties at Feb. 13 Event

The Farmington Area Suicide Prevention Task Force invites area residents to discuss the ties between substance abuse, mental health and suicide at a Feb. 13 Community Conversation. 

The 7 p.m. meeting at Farmington Hills city hall is the latest in a series of conversations the Task Force has hosted on topics related to Internet and social media, depression and suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. 

According to a City of Farmington Hills press release, a growing body of evidence suggests that alcohol and drug abuse are second only to depression and other mood disorders when it comes to risk factors for suicide. People with substance abuse disorders are more than three times as likely to consider, plan or attempt suicide as are those who aren't engaging in substance abuse.

Featured speakers will include:

• Ryan Blackstock, PhD – Clinical Psychologist, Michigan School of Professional Psychology
• Charles Nebus – Chief of Police, City of Farmington Hills
• Marla Parker – Judge of the 47th District Court
• Mitch Seelye – Representative, Alcoholics Anonymous and Call to Action Coalition

With a theme of “Let’s Talk About It,” the Farmington Area Suicide Prevention Task Force brings community leaders together to reach out to troubled individuals and counteract alarming trends in suicide and suicide attempts. Farmington Hills City Council Member Dr. Ken Massey, who lost his son Graham E. Smith to suicide, has spearheaded efforts to remove the stigma and bring the topics of depression and suicide out into the open.

The meeting is sponsored by the Farmington Area Suicide Prevention Task Force and the Graham E. Smith Memorial Fund. For more information, call the City Manager’s Office at 248-871-2500.