Suicide prevention town hall scheduled at Kirkwood

WASHINGTON — Every year, 1 million adults report making a suicide attempt, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Worldwide, 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization.

A town hall style community conversation will be held in Washington, Iowa on Monday, April 4, 2022, starting with resource tables from 4:30-6 p.m.

From 6-8 p.m., advocacy group Project Safe CRCA will have the panel discussion at the Kirkwood Community College Washington County Regional Center at 2192 Lexington Blvd, Washington, Iowa. A panel of local experts will be on hand to answer specific questions and concerns from the audience. In addition, a local resource vendor trade show will feature over a dozen local agencies and resources on site who will provide additional information on mental health, suicide awareness and prevention.

The event is sponsored by, Project SAFE of the Cedar River Corridor Area, which serves to provide suicide awareness and education to the Corridor area. Mike Farr, Founder of Project SAFE formed the organization in memory of his son, Garrett R. Farr, who lost his battle to depression in, 2017.

“Together we are saving lives, one life at a time,” Farr said of the group’s mission. “This event is to help others become aware of all of the resources available in the Washington Area. I personally was not aware of all of the resources available. I hope that we can help others, so that they will not have to experience the great loss that my family has experienced!”

The Community Town Hall is open to everyone, and all are welcome. No preregistration is required. The event provides a safe environment where students and parents can gain a deeper understanding of the causes, warning signs and coping strategies regarding teen depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. For more information, visit Project SAFE CRCA on Facebook or website at www.projectsafecr.org

The group will be giving one $1,000 and two $500 Scholarships away, which ninth through 12th grade students who attend the event will be eligible for. Refreshments will be provided by Engineered Building Design of Washington, Iowa.