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Central Exchange event in Overland Park focuses on suicide prevention, children

Posted at 8:38 AM, Sep 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-20 12:59:04-04

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed the suicide rate among young people ages 10 and 17 years old increased from 2006 to 2016.

That’s a big reason organizers with the Central Exchange want to continue a conversation about ways to raise awareness of this issue.

Central Exchange will discuss available resources and individuals will share personal stories Thursday at an event, which will dissect the impact suicide can have on a community.

The goal is to reach out to those affected by suicide and connect people with treatment services.

“Oftentimes, adults will contemplate, consider, or map out their plan of action for many many months in advance of committing suicide and in our children it can happen in a matter of minutes,” Central Exchange President Courtney Thomas said. “They'll move from considering it and thinking about it to doing it.”

The free event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Grid, 12022 Blue Valley Parkway in Overland Park.