NHCC Students Talk About Suicide Prevention

North Hennepin Community College is planning a special event this week. The school is hosting a suicide prevention program. They’ll show a documentary about suicide, followed by a discussion on the subject.

“One of the hash tags we’re using is #beheretomorrow,” said student Marisa Anchondo. Anchondo is the president of the Students Serving our Community Club. She says the event is about reinforcing the idea that everyone’s life is worth living. “We want to bring awareness to suicide and the problems that it causes in several people’s lives.”

Anchondo says suicide also devastates family members and friends left behind. “It is a huge topic and growing more and more in several different communities. A specific one is it’s highly prevalent in the veteran community.”

“Suicide, The Ripple Effect”

The documentary is titled “Suicide, The Ripple Effect.” The public can watch the documentary on Thursday October 24 at 6 p.m. It goes in-depth on the repercussions from suicide, even for someone who tries it unsuccessfully. The film tells the story of Kevin Hines, who tried to kill himself by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.  Hines says he regretted his decision the instant he leaped off the bridge. 

Anchondo and Hines believe communities need as many resources as possible to assist people who are considering ending their lives. “It’s a really important thing that needs to be talked about more often,” Anchondo said.

After the documentary, a speaker from North Memorial will talk about grief, loss and the impact of suicide.

Brooklyn Park