We can prevent suicide: Big Island conference to raise awareness

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Suicide in our state is a major public health problem. One person dies by suicide in Hawaii every two days, and it was the most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawaii residents during the five-year period 2009-13, accounting for more than one-quarter (878, or 26 percent) of all fatal injuries.

Suicide in our state is a major public health problem. One person dies by suicide in Hawaii every two days, and it was the most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawaii residents during the five-year period 2009-13, accounting for more than one-quarter (878, or 26 percent) of all fatal injuries.

Increasing public awareness of this health problem, including warning signs and risk factors, is one of the best prevention tools the state has.

Local community members are gathering April 30 on Hawaii Island for the 15th annual Prevent Suicide Hawaii Healing After Conference — “E Malama Ola (Caring for Life)” Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.

The public is invited to join colleagues, friends and neighbors to share in a gathering of people interested in suicide education, awareness, prevention, intervention and supportive care. This will be a powerful opportunity for networking, learning, personal sharing and discovering how you can make a difference.

The conference keynote speaker is Dr. Jerry Reed, director of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

To register for the conference, visit www.waikoloa2015.com/, or contact Larry Walter, 2015 conference chairman, at safeinhawaii@gmail.com, or Robert Collesano (844) 642-6284.