Speakers Added to Feb. 13 Suicide Prevention Community Conversation

The Farmington Area Suicide Prevention Task Force has announced additional speakers will be featured at a Community Conversation on Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., at Farmington Hills City Hall.

The conversation will focus on the interrelationship between substance abuse, mental health, and suicide. The event is open to all members of the community.

Robert Schulz, Director of Public Safety for the City of Farmington, and Diane K. Zalapi, MS, Vice President with the Michigan School of Professional Psychology join a roster of panelists that includes:

• Ryan Blackstock, PsyD – 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, Al-Anon and Call to Action Coalition

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.

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.

Source: City of Farmington Hills press release