The more a community knows about suicide, the better equipped it is to prevent such tragic deaths. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24 and results in approximately 4,600 young lives lost each year.

On April 27, you are invited to join the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) and the NEXUS committee for a “community conversation” about youth suicide, including local prevention initiatives and life-saving strategies. NEXUS is a committee of the Advisory Board to the CSB’s Joe and Fredona Gartlan Center.

The event takes place on Thursday, April 27, 2017, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Fairfax County Public Schools’ Virginia Hills Center, 6500 Diana Lane, Alexandria, 22310.

You will learn about:

• Youth suicide warning signs
• Evidence-based risk assessments, safety plans and treatment options
• How to access CSB emergency services and other behavioral health resources
• Free, online training courses in youth suicide prevention skills
• Mental Health First Aid courses
• Online, confidential mental health assessments

The forum also features a presentation by Lisa M. Horowitz, Ph.D., MPH, of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), on recent evidence-based research tools for detecting depression and suicidal outcomes among youth.

Tisha Deeghan, Executive Director of the CSB, will facilitate a panel of local experts addressing prevention efforts, youth mental wellness and other local behavioral health initiatives. Panelists include:

• Gloria Addo-Ayensu, MD, MPH, Director, Fairfax County Health Department
• Lyn Tomlinson, Assistant Deputy Director, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
• Dede Bailer, Ph.D., Coordinator, Psychology Services, Fairfax County Public Schools
• Jesse Ellis, Prevention Manager, Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood & Community Services
• Betty Petersilia, LCSW, Manager, Children’s Behavioral Health Systems of Care

Questions? Call 703-324-7006, TTY 711.

Together, we can help save lives.

Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. For information, call 703-324-7006, TTY 711.