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CLEMMONS — There will be a community discussion focusing on Suicide Education and Prevention on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Clemmons Branch Public Library Auditorium.

This event, free and open to the public, is sponsored by Forsyth County Government, Partners Health Management and the Mental Health Association in Forsyth County, along with many additional community partners.

The community discussion will feature two local videos from the perspectives from the family and community, along with open discussion by audience participants. Mental health professionals will be on hand, along with a myriad of community resources designed to help people know local resources to help those living with mental health issues as well as knowing how to access mental health and other related services.

Why have this event? North Carolina reported 1,441 deaths by suicide in 2020 with suicide being the second leading cause of death for North Carolinians ages 25 to 34 and the third leading cause of death for youths and young adults ages 10 to 24, according to CDC data. In 2019, more than four times as many North Carolinians died by suicide than in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents. On a more local level, Forsyth County experienced the third highest rate of emergency department visits due to self-inflicted injuries among North Carolina’s 100 counties from October 2021 through September 2022.

This is the third such community discussion focusing on suicide education and prevention.

For additional information, contact Beth Brooks with Partners Health Management at 336-527-3225.

Established in 1946, the Mental Health Association in Forsyth County is a non-profit, non-governmental agency that serves as the community connector, educator and resource navigator for mental health care and services in Forsyth County and vicinity.

Clemmons Branch Library is located at 6365 James Street in Clemmons.