Suicide prevention multimedia event in Chandler Sept. 21

Suicide prevention has taken on many forms and vessels in the Chandler area during the past few years.

Later this month, an event billed as a multimedia celebration called “Choose Life!” is set to take another step in a positive direction in such prevention, according to a news release.

“Suicide has become all too common among America’s youth,” the release states. “Every day they are faced with the threat of war, famine, disease, climate change and more. All these things have a negative impact on our youth and negatively affects their optimism for life. To combat this, the One80 Event Center will be presenting ‘Choose Life!’”

The presentation is free and open to the public. It’s put on by the One80 Event Center, the host facility, and it’s set for 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, at 399 S. Washington Street in Downtown Chandler.

The release states the presentation will involve live-action dramas, testimonials, video and a factual presentation by experts.

Organizers wrote the event is a chance to learn, share, and take action toward a healthier, more supportive world.

“It is aimed at helping our youth to cope with the pressures they face on a daily basis,” the release states. “Our goal is to provide viable alternatives to suicide. When many young people are asked if there is a general lack of hope in their generation, they frequently respond with a gentle nod of the head followed by a soft ‘yes.’ Many of our youth are desperate and need help.”

Emily Mata, a social worker who works with a suicide prevention center, has been instrumental in putting together this presentation in association with others in the field, the release states. Her years of experience working the front lines of suicide prevention has compelled her to act and the presentation is “birthed out of a genuine concern for those suffering with mental health challenges.”

The public can register online for the  free event in order to give organizers a rough head count.

Along with her husband, Greg, Mata is actively involved with programs that benefit the community’s young people.

The release also includes information about a teen and young-adult support group that meets each Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the One80 Event Center. That’s also free and open to the public.

Anyone seeking more information on One80’s programs or the Sept. 21 event can contact Greg Mata at 480-628-7867 or at gregmata@hotmail.com .

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