September Healthy Lifestyles Spotlights Suicide Prevention

McKenzie Health System is pleased to welcome Kellie Phelps, Administrative Assistant in Prevention and Public Education at Sanilac County Community Mental Health (CMH) to focus on Suicide Prevention at the next Healthy Lifestyle Workshop scheduled for Monday, September 30, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. in the McKenzie Health System Back Dining Room. Due to limited space, pre-registration is required by calling Public Relations at 810-648-6117 or emailing publicrelations@mckenziehealth.org.

“It’s important that community members become informed about the signs of suicide as well as ways to help a person who is contemplating suicide,” declares Phelps. “Signs of suicide include behavior changes, such as becoming withdrawn and not talking to friends or family. There are also things a person can do to help a friend or loved one who may be thinking of suicide, like talking to them without judging or assisting them in calling the National Suicide Hotline.”

“Ms. Phelps will give valuable information regarding all aspects of suicide awareness and prevention,” reports Louise Blasius, LMSW, LPC, Director of Human Services at McKenzie Health System. “Many times friends and family members can be the first to notice a change in behavior that could suggest a risk of suicide or other mental health problem. The workshop will give attendees useful ways to identify who might be at risk of suicide, as well as guidelines on how to address it.”

“This Healthy Lifestyle session will be presented in a confidential, personal atmosphere, where audience members can feel free to ask a variety of questions,” adds Blasius. “We hope people will join us as we focus on this vitally important topic!” For more information on the workshop, contact Louise Blasius at 810-648-6181; to reserve your spot, contact Public Relations at 810-648-6117 or email publicrelations@mckenziehealth.org.