Suicide Prevention

Join EPIC for the screening of ‘My Ascension’ to spotlight suicide prevention efforts for youth on Saturday, August 5th at 5:30 p.m. at Tocoi Creek High School Auditorium, 11200 St. Johns Parkway.

Recent research released by the CDC shows a staggering increase in mental health struggles for teens, especially girls. Additionally, the rate of teen suicides is rising – suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of people ages 15-24 in the US.

To help reduce stigma around mental health and suicide, EPIC Behavioral Healthcare, St. Johns County School District, United Way of St. Johns County, Lutheran Services Florida, Betty Griffin Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Johns County, and St. Augustine Youth Services – SAYS are advocating for the importance of talking about suicide awareness and prevention by screening the film.

“My Ascension” chronicles the story of 16-year-old high school varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit, who was paralyzed by a suicide attempt, which propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and stay alive.

The screening will be followed by an engaging discussion on youth suicide prevention and mental wellness with Emma herself and local mental health and suicide prevention experts.  Additionally, there will be resource tables sharing important information on mental health and suicide prevention.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 (or 1-800-273-TALK) or to text “Talk” to 741741.

EPIC is part of the Talkable Communities Project which is comprised of five Northeast Florida non-profits all offering suicide prevention training.  As part of this project, EPIC offers three well-known and evidence-based mental health/suicide prevention trainings.  These trainings are offered to residents/organizations at no cost and can be virtual or in-person.  These trainings are:

Question, Persuade Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training – trains people to learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond.

It’s Time to Talk about it (ITTAI) –  teaches family members, care givers, and other invested community members who interact with young people how to recognize the warning signs and risk factors of suicide in youth.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) – teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents.

If you are interested in any of these trainings that are open to the community, please visit Talkable Communities to see a schedule of all the trainings that are offered.  You can register for any of these trainings through the Talkable Communities website.

If you are interested in hosting one of these trainings for the community or would like to schedule a private training for your organization/group (virtual or in-person), please contact us at [email protected].

Our philosophy is person-centered which means we put you at the center of your treatment and respect your freedom to make your own choices and choose your own direction.