As we approach July, designated as National Black and Brown Mental Health month, the need for collective action against the growing firearm suicide epidemic becomes ever more urgent.
According to recent data, firearm suicide rates have seen a troubling increase of 12.5% over the past decade, with a slight dip in 2019. Nevertheless, the toll remains stark, with 23,941 lives lost to firearm suicide in 2019 alone, highlighting the critical intersection of mental health and gun violence.
In response, One Aim Illinois is convening our inaugural in-person Coalition meeting on Wednesday, July 24th, from 6-8 PM CT at Wild Blossom Wine and Meadery. This event will also be accessible virtually via Zoom. We will provide light refreshments and a cash bar is available, alongside community resource tables.
During the meeting, we will delve into the statistics and hear powerful survivor stories, followed by insights from an esteemed panel. We invite you to participate either in person or virtually to contribute to this vital discussion.
Esteemed Panelists:
State Representative Marcus Evans, IL-33
Dion Dawson, Chief Dreamer and Founder of Dion’s Chicago Dream
Monserrat Ayala, Community Organizer at Increase the Peace
If your organization is interested in setting up a community resource table, please reach out to Robert Emmons Jr., our Organizing Consultant, at [email protected].
As we strive to make meaningful progress, remember that support is available for those in immediate need through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text “HOME” to 741-741.
Together, let's work towards ending firearm suicides and fostering mental health awareness in our communities.
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All items are non-refundable under any circumstances.
