Snohomish County Human Services is inviting community members to attend an important event. The Youth Suicide Prevention Taskforce will host the "You Are Not Alone" event on March 1 at the Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo. According an announcement from Snohomish County, the conference will focus on youth mental health and provide tools and resources for both young people and their families to address suicide prevention.
In a statement obtained by Snohomish County, Amanda Franke, the Division Manager for Behavior Health and Veteran Services, voiced the reality that even though mental health outcomes have seen improvement post-pandemic, a sizable segment of the youth population is still dealing with heavy burdens such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. "To build a healthier community, it’s crucial that we educate ourselves and strengthen our ability to support those in need," Franke emphasized.
Suicide statistics in Snohomish County show that suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 17. Between 2014 and 2022, there were 45 recorded suicides, and data from 2021 to 2022 indicates a narrowing of gaps between different age groups, reflecting a change from earlier years. This event aims to provide support and resources to address these trends.
The event agenda includes various resources and activities for a wide audience. Workshops will focus on recognizing warning signs and providing suicide prevention strategies. "You Are Not Alone" will also offer Narcan training and highlight the risks of fentanyl in opioid overdoses. Additional features include therapy dog interactions, live music, art, and free giveaways. Spanish and Ukrainian interpretation services will be available to ensure accessibility for attendees from diverse backgrounds, according to Snohomish County.
A Youth Rocket League Tournament is also scheduled as part of the event, providing an opportunity for gaming enthusiasts to compete for prizes. Interested individuals can register using the provided link.
