The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizers, survivors, allies, youth, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
“Youth suicide rates are on the rise, especially amongst LGBTQIA youth,” said Anna Czerniak, children’s mental health program at the Kane County Health Department. “It’s important for members of our community to recognize signs that someone may be considering suicide, how to handle that situation, and how to connect young people to the help they need.”
The Kane County System of Care, City of Aurora, Edward Hines, VA Hospital, Family Focus, Family Service Association, Fox Valley Hands of Hope, Geneva Center for the Arts, NAMI-KDK, Side Street Studios, Simply Destinee, and Suicide Prevention Services are hosting a series of drop-in events for young people to create art that raises awareness and inspires community conversations about suicide prevention.
Free art supply kits will be provided and a space to create art will be offered at the following locations across Kane County:
• Thursday, Aug. 26 – Simply Destinee will hold a drop-in event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 122 W. Downer Place #124, Aurora
• Saturday, Aug. 28 – The City of Aurora will have a table at Alley Art Festival from noon to 5 p.m., downtown Aurora at Waterstreet Mall
• Monday, Aug. 30 – Side Street Studios will host a drop-in event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 15 Zeigler Court, Elgin
Art supply kits can also be taken to go and completed projects can be dropped off at the Kane County Health Department, 1240 N. Highland Ave., Aurora, IL 60506, by August 31, 2021 c/o Anna Czerniak.
Artwork will be displayed at local galleries during Suicide Prevention Month.
— Kane County Health Department