[YSPNetwork] National Survivors of Suicide Day in Eugene

[Jill Hollingsworth]

Hello All,

The National Survivors of Suicide Day hosted in Eugene drew 29 participants 
supported by 18 staff comprised of volunteers, counselors, organizers and 
panelists. The day began  with survivor Darlene Baker and Senator Vicki 
Walker and ended with an emotional candle lighting ceremony with each of 
the participants honoring their lost loved one(s). For many participants, 
the most valuable part of the day was connecting with others who had 
experienced a similar loss.

For others, the teleconference and panel discussion which focused on 
survivor skills were most valuable. The president of the Oregon Association 
of Marriage and Family Therapists, Dr. Dave McWherter, highlighted issues 
that the entire family faces emphasizing the importance of honoring one 
another and compromising while Dr. Robin Holmes focused on issues that 
individuals face. Cheryl Coughran from Courageous Kids discussed how to 
approach holiday traditions. Charlotte Herkshan from the Warm Springs Tribe 
shared Native American ceremonies, such as "picking up tears". Survivor 
Darlene Baker talked about her transformation through working in 
prevention, and Jill Hollingsworth invited survivors who were ready to 
become involved in prevention to take that step.

We achieved our primary outcome with the conference in generating interest 
in a local bereavement group for suicide loss. We would like to thank our 
sponsors: AFSP, Looking Glass Youth and Family Services, Sacred Heart 
Medical Center, The Jennifer Baker Fund and State Senator Vicki Walker.


Jill
Jill Hollingsworth, MA
Program Coordinator
Prevention Specialist
Looking Glass Youth and Family Services
Voice: (541) 607-7322
Fax: (541) 607-0625

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