Brazosport College to host free suicide prevention virtual event on Sept. 17

Music artist Austin Lanier and U.S. Congressman Randy Weber

According to the CDC, one person dies by suicide every two hours in the state of Texas. In fact, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34 and the 11^th-leading overall cause of death in Texas.

With the ongoing pandemic, this issue just continues to rise — and it’s hitting close to home.

“Brazoria County is faced currently with a 71 percent increase in deaths by suicide compared to 2019,” said Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Sergeant Shane Vandergrifft. “As of July, 2020, there have been 36 citizens that have died by suicide.”

These statistics just accentuate the fact that suicide is a serious problem in Texas and is an issue that needs to be addressed.

The first step is to raise awareness. As a result, a number of local agencies and leaders are teaming up to discuss and provide information about this important issue.

Brazosport College is hosting a free virtual event focusing on suicide prevention. The “Suicide Prevention in Times of Crisis” event is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17 and will be held via Zoom.

Sponsored by the Brazosport College Office of Student Life, the BC Employee Development Center and the local teen suicide prevention program, S.T.O.P. Suicide (Stop, Talk and Overcome Pain), the “Suicide Prevention in Times of Crisis” event will feature a panel of experts and personal success stories that will help participants recognize the warning signs and learn potential life-saving tips. The event is open to all BC faculty, staff and students, as well as the community.

Local officials and leaders will be participating on the panel, including music artist and motivational speaker Austin Lanier; United States Congressman Randy Weber; Delma Garza, licensed professional counselor (LPC) and licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC); Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Sergeant Shane Vandergrifft; Behavioral Therapist and licensed professional counselor Demi Minter from Community Health Network; and 2019 Heroes for Children award winner Brenda George from S.T.O.P. Suicide. A suicide attempt survivor will also be participating on the panel.

To access the Zoom link, one can register at tinyurl.com/heretohealth or text @TINAREC to 81010.