In a continuing effort to advance conversations surrounding mental health, WNMU-TV will host an expert panel discussion focusing on suicide awareness and prevention in Upper Michigan, inspired by the PBS documentary Facing Suicide premiering this September. "Facing Suicide: Town Hall" will take place Sept. 27, 2022 at 7 pm ET at NMU's Northern Center. This film explores powerful stories of those impacted by suicide—one of America's most urgent health crises—and journey to the front lines of research with scientists whose work is leading to better prevention and treatment. 

The panel will feature mental health professionals from across the Upper Peninsula who will discuss sections of the film, including how to identify warning signs, and spotlight local organizations including Dial Help, NMU Counseling & Consultation Services, West End Suicide Prevention, and Northpointe Behavioral Services, and resources that provide help and hope.

Panelists:

• Kristine Martens, Youth Services Coordinator and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) trainer, Dial Help, Houghton
• Christina Hartline, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Northern Michigan University Counseling & Consultation Services, Marquette
• Philip Hefner Gardiepy, Training Coordinator and Recipient Right Advisor, Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare Systems, Iron/Dickinson/Menominee Counties
• Sarah Rymkos, Project Aware Service Provider, Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District, Escanaba
• Abigail Wyche, Special Advisor, Northern Michigan University Mental Health & Wellness, Marquette
• Renee Johnson, Behavioral Health Services Coordinator, Bay Mills Indian Community, Brimley

This event is FREE and open to the public. Community members from across the Upper Peninsula are encouraged to attend in person or virtually. If you would like to attend in person, we appreciate if you register in advance, but registration is not required to attend. Please note: masks are optional at the in-person event. A link to stream will be available in the coming weeks.

Facing Suicide premieres on Tuesday, September 13 at 9/8c on WNMU-TV PBS. Watch or stream anytime online, or on the PBS Video App.