Saint Mary Mokena will host a free suicide prevention workshop for the entire community on Wednesday, September 12 in the church hall beginning at 7 pm. Sertoma Centre Inc., which specializes in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, will provide the course to increase public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk.
“Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and an average of 123 people commit suicide every day,” says Melissa Novak, Director of Faith Formation at Saint Mary Mokena. “We are hosting this workshop to help our community members be in a position to recognize and assist those who are considering suicide, be they loved ones, friends or complete strangers.”
The workshop will teach the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) method of suicide prevention. Participants will be equipped to intervene early by learning how to question, persuade and refer persons who are at risk for suicide. Upon completing the course, participants will be certified as “Gate Keepers.”
Participants can enter the free, 90-minute workshop through door number one in the church hall. RSVPs are encouraged. To do so, contact Melissa Novak at mnovak@stmarymokena.org or 708-326-9313.
To learn more about Sertoma Centre Inc. and the services it provides, please visit http://sertomacentre.org/
The Mokena Marian 