WVU School of Nursing, Suncrest United Methodist Church to collaborate for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The WVU School of Nursing and Suncrest United Methodist Church are hosting a Zoom educational session for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

The Zoom session will be held Sept. 18, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature guest speakers who will discuss suicide warning signs and what to do. The virtual event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

“September is Suicide Awareness Month and during this time, let's reflect on how we can best help our neighbors who are in need of support with mental health,” said Dr. Angel Smothers, Associate Dean for Community Engagement at WVU School of Nursing and faith community nurse at Suncrest United Methodist Church.

Pastor Larry Buckland hopes that through the educational Zoom session that they will be helping remove the stigma surrounding mental illness. He wants the people in the community to know they are not alone and there is hope.

“We’re reminding everyone to check on their loved ones,” Pastor Buckland said. “Let’s come together to support each other, listen, and have open conversations about mental health to help break the stigma in our community.”

Each week in September, the church will hold events to generate awareness, including a Trans Safe Zone Training to educate the community with the knowledge and skills to support transgender individuals who have the highest rate of suicide.

Pastor Buckland said he is lucky to be a part of a congregation that cares about education and inclusivity, and that he can collaborate with the community to help those affected by suicide, depression and grief.

Please use this link to register for the event.

-WVU-

bc/9/6/2024

MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu