On September 20 GHC hosted the 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention Coalition Conference. The Department of Behavior Health and Development Disabilities, the Human Services Club along with Floyd Healing Hearts and SPAN-GA sponsored the event. Coalitions throughout Georgia attended. Mayor Evie McNiece, County Commissioner Rhonda Wallace, and Dr. Renva Watterson, GHC Interim President all welcomed the participants. It was amazing to have about 100 guests all there for the purpose of increasing awareness and actively striving to prevent suicide.
The keynote speaker was John Trautwein, former Red Sox Pitcher, whose son take is life at age 15. John, explained that Will had everything to live for and that on the outside nobody could have guess the inter turmoil and pressures Will faced. Will took his life in 2010. He was athletic, made good grades, and a friend to many. John’s message, to be aware that even the kids who seem to have it all still have pressures and can find life painful.
The Human Services Club thanks GHC for helping sponsor the event.