Registration Open for Annual Suicide Awareness Banquet

Muskingum County has seen a spike in suicide-related deaths so far this year.

Seven suicides have occurred since January, which is double the usual rate. The Suicide Prevention Coalition is working to try to prevent and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide. On April 28, the coalition will host its annual Suicide Awareness Banquet to bring attention to this growing issue.

“We usually have around 100 people in attendance, and we would like to increase that number, we want to get the word out that suicide is preventable illness, and if you just are willing to talk about it and approach someone you might save a life,” said Dr. Vicki Whitacre, Member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Although the statistics are rising, Dr. Whitacre said there is hope. Suicide can be prevented with early recognition and intervention.

This year’s “Voices of Hope Panel” will be presenting inspiring messages about their experiences with depression and suicide.

“It’s a very nice dinner, we’re even going to have the John Glenn Strings this year play for people during dinner, we’re really excited about our panel and what they’re going to talk about, it’s people who have been touched by suicide,” Whitacre said.

The banquet is April 28 at Coburn United Methodist Church from 6:30 to 8 p.m. If you’d like to attend, you must register by April 20. To register, visit the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department’s website, at zmchd.org.