Hospice sponsoring events for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
–On Saturday, Nov. 17, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County (Hospice SLO County) will join The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to offer special programs for those who have lost someone to suicide.
Every year over 44,000 Americans die by suicide, leaving family members and friends to deal with the loss and learn how to move forward. San Luis Obispo is one of hundreds of locations worldwide in which survivors of suicide loss will gather on this day to connect with and find support from one another. Events will be offered in both English and Spanish at two locations.
“This day is an opportunity for people who have lost somebody to suicide to be with others who have shared that experience,” said Tony Huffaker, Director of Counseling at Hospice SLO County. “To interact with others who have had a similar experience can be invaluable.”
At 11 a.m., the program will begin at both locations with a presentation of A Daughter’s Journey, a new AFSP-produced Survivor Day documentary that traces the grief and healing journey following a suicide loss. The presentation will be followed by a discussion and a light lunch. From 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., marriage and family therapists Anne Kellogg and Marina Garza will hold workshops using art to express feelings related to a loss by suicide. Due to limited space, pre-registration is required for the art workshop.
English event
Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
French Hospital’s Copeland Health Education Pavilion, 1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo.
Spanish event
Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hospice SLO County, 1304 Pacific Street, San Luis Obispo.
All events are offered free of charge. To register for the art workshop or for questions, please call Tony Huffaker (English only) or Marina Garza (English and Spanish) at (805) 544-2266. To register online, visit afsp.org/survivor_day/san-luis-obispo-ca/
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