Free suicide prevention symposium open to public in downtown Kalamazoo

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

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KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – A day-long event will focus on suicide prevention and personal well-being.

Leaders at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine are holding the inaugural Suicide Prevention & Well-Being Promotion Symposium on Friday, Sept. 16.

The free event is open to the public at W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, 300 Portage St., in downtown Kalamazoo.

The symposium is in memory of Dr. Rebekah Sharp, the program director for the medical school’s OB/GYN residency, the release said. Sharp died Aug. 29.

“It can often feel like there is no ideal time to discuss topics like suicide prevention and burnout prevention because the timing can either feel too soon or like an inconvenience when we’re busy and focused on other things,” WMed Associate Dean Karen Horneffer- Ginter said. “Then, suddenly, it can feel all too late when a tragedy occurs.

“I think it’s really useful to launch this annual event where we pause and focus on these important areas. I hope it can also serve as a catalyst for bringing about more programming, more support, and more resources.”

The event will feature morning and afternoon workshops on topics including burnout prevention and mindfulness. There will also be keynote speech on “Suicide Prevention and Recovery: Working Together to Learn, Support, Debunk Myths, and Prevent” by Dr. John Greden, a chair emeritus from the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be included.

People can register for the event online here.

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