PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School District will host a “community conversation” on suicide prevention Tuesday with a specialist from Seattle.
Sue Eastgard of Youth Suicide Prevention of Washington state will lead the discussion from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Port Angeles High School Library, 304 E. Park Ave.
It is the second such program. The first was held Feb. 10.
Parents, community members and students are invited to attend.
Eastgard said she will answer questions and give information, but it will be more of a conversation than a speech.
“I will be weaving in information about what are some contributing factors and how would we know when a young person is depressed and considering suicide,” she said.
“Also, what are some resources we can turn to in the school and community?
“I’ll also be addressing what is the community’s responsibility in regard to these deaths and what can the community do differently.”
Follows two incidents
The program was scheduled in response to two suicides.
Port Angeles High School junior Jacob Bird died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in late January.
His father came forward and publicly identified his son and the circumstances of Bird’s death in the hopes that parents and others could prevent further suicides.
Then a 15-year-old Port Angeles High School student, whose name Port Angeles police did not release because she was a minor, was found hanged in a creek ravine in early February.
Authorities characterized the hanging as a suicide.
25-year professional
Eastgard has worked on mental health issues for 25 years as a clinician, manager and director of crisis services and suicide prevention efforts.
She was president of the American Association of Suicidology in 2002 and was the program chair for the association’s 1997 National Healing after Suicide Conference.
“I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about the topic to attend Tuesday evening,” said Port Angeles High School Principal Garry Cameron.
“Since there will be some sensitive topics discussed, the presenter recommends that any children who have not reached high school age be accompanied by an adult.”
Schools Superintendent Jane Pryne said parents who have concerns or questions can phone the district’s counselors at 360-565-1562.
Clay Rife, who is the school liaison officer with the Port Angeles Police Department, said police are also trained in suicide prevention, and he and his fellow officers are willing to help if a parent is worried about someone who is potentially suicidal.
To contact a law enforcement officer in a nonemergency situation, phone 360-452-4545.
For more information on the Youth Suicide Prevention Program, visit www.yspp.org for addition information and resources.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
