DARKE COUNTY – Residents of Miami, Darke and Shelby Counties who have lost a child or other loved one to suicide, drug overdose or other unexpected loss are invited to attend a Healing from Unexpected Loss program 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Upper Valley Career Center Hartzell Lecture Hall, Piqua.
The program is being sponsored by the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services in partnership with the Miami County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, and in conjunction with International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a program of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“Those who have lost a loved one to suicide or drug overdose often feel a stigma,” said Mark McDaniel, Executive Director of the Tri-County Board, “and especially if that loved one was a child, there’s a layer of guilt. Meeting others in our local community who have experienced similar loss may lessen the feelings of guilt and stigma and help the healing process.”
The Compassionate Friends is a national organization with local chapters that support families after a child dies. The Miami County Chapter meets at Nashville Church, 4540 West State Route 571, West Milton, the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
The program will be designed with the special needs of survivors of suicide, drug overdose or unexpected loss in mind. The program includes the viewing “Family Journeys: Healing and Hope After a Suicide,” a video for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. A panel discussion will feature survivors of loss, parents, and grief counselors and the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions. There will also be a healing activity and a remembrance/healing ceremony.
While not required, those interested are encouraged to pre-register at www.survivorday.org/event/troy-oh. By registering families have the opportunity to upload a photo of their loved one along with a message for inclusion in a virtual memorial quilt.
There is no cost to attend. For more information, email Brad Reed, [email protected].
