Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) will host a news conference in conjunction with the Fargo Police Department (FPD) and the 4-6-3 Foundation to recognize the month of May as Mental Health Month. The news conference will be held Tuesday, May 2, 7 p.m. at the Fargo Theatre, Theatre 2, located at 314 Broadway North, Fargo. Speakers will include Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney, Fargo Deputy Mayor Arlette Preston, 4-6-3 Foundation Founder Elizabeth Medd, FPD Sergeant Cristie Jacobson and FCPH Mental Health Coordinator Melissa Markegard.
Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to breaking down the stigma around mental health by providing education and highlighting community resources available for those who may be struggling. To support that mission, FCPH, FPD and the 4-6-3 Foundation announce the creation of ‘Faces of Suicide,’ the second suicide prevention public service announcement to come out of this unique local collaborative. ‘Faces of Suicide’ is a somber video, focusing on the framed image of a loved one who has lost their life to suicide, held by family members and friends.
Elizabeth Medd, mother of one of those lost to suicide and cofounder of the 4-6-3 Foundation says, “It’s critical for the community to understand that you cannot tell, just by looking at someone; if they are struggling or hurting inside, mental health can be invisible. There isn’t a typical look that defines someone who is struggling, there is no one ‘look’ of suicide.”
Says Melissa Markegard, FCPH Mental Health Coordinator, “Mental health is an issue that impacts everyone because the reality is that a few warning signs and a life crisis could be the difference between someone being here tomorrow or not. We want to save lives and there is no better way than to educate in any way we can.”
‘Faces of Suicide’ will be available on each partners’ Facebook page at the conclusion of the news conference:
• Fargo Cass Public Health
• Fargo Police Department
• 4-6-3-Foundation
The three partner organizations involved in ‘Faces of Suicide’ have worked together previously to create a PSA encouraging creation of a Safety Plan. A Safety Plan is a specific and prioritized list of coping strategies and sources of support. It helps a person identify strategies to use when they are overwhelmed with emotion or struggling with challenges. Safety Plans also make note of distraction techniques, safe places or spaces, and also list friends, family or professionals and services to reach out to.
Additional information and resources:
• www.FargoCassPublicHealth.com/mentalhealth
• www.463Foundation.org
• Have a Safety Plan in Place to Prevent Suicide PSA.
• Additional supports and services for behavioral health concerns are available:
o Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
o Call 211 if experiencing a behavioral health crisis
o The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Directory.