World Suicide Prevention Day event set for Sept. 10 in Port Orchard

Numerous local public figures will be on hand in support of the event

The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners recently adopted a proclamation, recognizing Sept. 10, 2019, as Suicide Prevention Day in Kitsap County.

World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed every year on Sept. 10 in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicide, with various activities around the world since 2003, according to Kitsap County Human Services.

The event will occur Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kitsap County Administration Offices Pavilion in Port Orchard. Guest speakers from local, county and state government organizations, as well as nonprofit organizations will be on hand to answer questions and provide resources and information.

Some notable public figures expected to present at the event include State Senator Emily Randall, State Representative Michelle Caldier, Kitsap County Commissioners Ed Wolfe, Charlotte Garrido, and Robert Gelder, Port Orchard Mayor Robert Putaansuu, and Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler.

Guest speakers will include Kitsap County Coroner Jeff Wallis, Jody Steward of Washington Department of Veteran Affairs, Charles Royal of Kitsap County Mental health Services, Kitsap County Commissioner Charlotte Garrido.

Information booths will also be on display at the event. Some of the booths will be set up by South Kitsap Helpline, Kitsap County Veteran Advisory Board, Kitsap County Mental Health Services, Washington Department of Veteran Affairs, and National Alliance to End Veteran Suicide.

Organizers say a candlelight ceremony will conclude the event to honor those lost to suicide and will also serve as a sign of hope for the future.