Suicide Prevention Foundation Event

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is hosting their first ever ground-breaking project ‘Theatre of War: Soldiers and Citizens’ tour in Columbus mid September to celebrate their 10th anniversary and raise awareness.

Professional actors will present an old time play by Socrates about war and suicide followed by a panel discussion aimed at veterans and their families. The presentations are intended to foster understanding and compassion explains state board member of the foundation, Vicki Whitacre.

“It’s very exciting. We want to look out for our veterans, they’re having one of the higher rates of suicide these days and we want to do everything we can to help them. Our local area is experiencing suicides particularly in middle aged men and we want to raise awareness so the stigma goes away, that people are willing to talk about it. You might save somebody’s life by just saying ‘are you thinking of killing yourself?’ use that word too… It’s not hurting yourself, it’s killing yourself.” she says.

Shriver’s Pharmacy is sponsoring the foundation by donating one-thousand dollars to help make this event possible and free for the public.

“Suicide prevention is part of our corporate giving program. We kind of developed what we were willing to give to and we felt suicide prevention was something that affects a lot of people in some way, shape or form but it’s really seldom talked about. So, we wanted to try and find a way to give to programs to help people know when to ask questions and know when to call someone for help. We just think it’s something that effects everyone in the community.” explains CEO of the pharmacy, John Coler.

Events will take place September 15th from 5-7:30 at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Columbus. Though the event is free, seating is limited so be sure to register at www.TOWohio.Eventbrite.com