Tulsa World: Tulsa conference to link the survivors of suicide

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Tulsa conference to link the survivors of suicide

By OMER GILLHAM World Staff Writer
Published: 11/20/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 11/20/2009 6:11 AM

People affected by suicide can attend the National Survivors of Suicide Day on Saturday at Oklahoma State University at Tulsa.

Joan Benedict, one of the event's organizers, said 230 conferences are taking place simultaneously across the U.S. and overseas. This is Tulsa's second conference.

The network of conferences helps survivors connect with others who have been affected by suicide, to understand the powerful emotions they experience, Benedict said.

Benedict, a regulatory specialist for a clinical research company in south Tulsa, became involved with suicide awareness programs after her daughter, Chelsea, took her own life on June 12, 2007.

When Benedict looked for support after her daughter's death, resources were sparse, she said.

"This conference offers survivors the opportunity to come together as a community for support and healing," Benedict said. "To anyone who has lost someone to suicide, I would recommend attending the conference. It gives survivors the chance to share with others who walk in their shoes and in knowing that they are not alone."

The Tulsa World published a three-day series on suicide awareness and prevention Oct. 4-6. The World analyzed the number of suicides for the last five years. Suicides have risen 12 percent since 2004.

With 15 suicides per 100,000 people, Oklahoma ranks 11th nationally in suicides, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Wyoming is ranked first with 22.6 suicides per 100,000 individuals.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma's suicide rate is twice that of the homicide rate. In 2008, there were 578 suicides, compared with 249 homicides, according to preliminary data released by the state Medical Examiner's Office. The 2-to-1 ratio in Oklahoma is consistent with ratios in other states and the U.S.

The conference at OSU-Tulsa, 700 N. Greenwood Ave., is free. Registration begins at 10 a.m., and lunch will be provided. Children 12 and younger should not attend.

For more information go online to tulsaworld.com/afsp . To register, call 812-7609 or send an e-mail to jbenedict57@msn.com.

Omer Gillham 581-8301
omer.gillham@tulsaworld.com By OMER GILLHAM World Staff Writer

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forkandknife, Tulsa (11/20/2009 10:05:35 AM)

Awesome..?

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