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The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host a workshop by Jennifer Levesque, LADC, LMSW-CC, on suicide prevention, Tuesday, September 10 at 7 p.m. in Nowland Hall. The workshop is free and open to the public.

Does your job bring you in contact with people who may be at risk of suicide? Perhaps you work in a school or a first responder agency? Or you may be an employer or a foster parent? Do you know how you can help prevent suicide?

Statistics state that in 2010, Maine lost 9 times the number of people to suicide over homicide - 181 deaths were classified as suicide while 21 deaths were homicide. Maine is ranked 14th in the United States for deaths by suicide.

“As individuals, and a community as a whole, we can become more aware of the issues and develop prevention strategies. In this one night workshop you will gain general and basic information on suicide and suicide prevention; including national and local trends, warning signs, local resources, and what to do if you encounter a friend or a loved one who is struggling with thoughts of suicide,” states Levesque.

Levesque is a mental health and substance abuse counselor for the Aroostook Mental Health Center (AMHC) and also works as the Program Coordinator for the FACE Program at Twin Rivers Paper Mill.

Participants will receive printed and referral resources, along with information on more in-depth training that is offered by the Maine Suicide Prevention Program trained facilitator.

The counselor, from AMHC, who provides services on campus, will be in attendance.

For more information on the free workshop, please contact Theresa Biggs at 834-7850.