Charlotte Observer to host panel discussion on teen suicide for parents, educators
One of the most important stories we published this summer was on the heartbreaking topic of teen suicides in the Myers Park community.
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The response we saw from Théoden Janes’ powerful reporting gave us the idea to organize an event for parents, educators and other caring adults to help them better understand the struggles and warning signs.
The Charlotte Observer’s “Hidden Struggles” panel discussion is Monday, Sept. 21, at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1500 Queens Road, on the fourth floor of the church’s Center of Hope building. Janes will lead the discussion about anxiety and depression, academic and social pressures, communication between teenagers and adults, warning signs, suicide prevention and the resources available to families.
The event, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public, but registration is required and space is limited. You can RSVP to attend here (or use the form below).
Our panelists will focus on presures teens face today, how adults can recognize a problem, and how we can help:
🔹 Heather Bonner, executive director of Mission 34, a nonprofit aimed at eliminating the stigma of mental illness through suicide prevention and education with young adults.
🔹 Chris James, dean of students at Charlotte Latin School and former dean of students and football coach at Myers Park High School.
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🔹 Ysha Joson, a Myers Park High School senior who has served as a student leader with Sources of Strength and is a member of the school’s Mental Health Committee.
🔹 Dr. Amanda McGough, a Charlotte psychologist and former president of the North Carolina chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
In addition, we’ve invited other organizations to be part of our event, sharing information and resources or answering your questions:
The church is at 1500 Queens Road. Enter the church parking lot along Queens Road, just south of the sanctuary. You can also park across Queens Road in a secondary church lot with entrances on Hopedale or Pembroke avenues.
The Center for Hope is a new four-story building on the south side of the church property. (The building is also home to Higher Grounds by Manolo’s bakery.) Our event is in the Assembly Hall on the fourth floor.
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To register to attend the event, click here or use the form below.
