For Jamie Lopez, Saturday’s youth suicide prevention conference was a very personal event. She was there with her 13-year-old daughter, who has “made recent attempts” to take her own life.
“She had a lot to say because she disagrees with some of what they had to say,” Lopez said. “But she said she really appreciates everything they’re doing here.
“And there are a lot of other kids we should be concerned about. My 13-year-old had an 11-year-old friend that committed suicide. So it's really close to home for her.”
The “community conversations” at the Sorenson Unity Center featured comments from elected officials; panels on how to recognize those who are in danger and what to do for them; and open discussions about the issues surrounding suicide.