Interfaith Suicide Awareness Seminar Hosted in Newark, New Jersey by NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group and Catholic Charities
NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders group and Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson, along with Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker and Newark Councilwoman at Large, Reverend Louise Scott-Rountree, recently hosted the 2nd Interfaith Suicide Awareness Seminar at the Good Neighbor Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. The event brought together faith-based leaders and community members to discuss suicide awareness and available resources for veterans, active service members, and their families who may be at risk.
With over 360,000 veterans in New Jersey, the need for education and resources on suicide prevention is crucial. The seminar featured partners such as The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Operation Sisterhood, Community Hope, The City of Newark, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Team. The goal was to provide faith leaders with the tools and knowledge to identify and refer those in need of help.
Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker and Reverend Louise Scott-Rountree played key roles in organizing the event and connecting with faith-based leaders in the community. Their efforts, along with the support of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, are helping to promote suicide prevention resources and education among veterans and their families.
One of the panelists at the seminar, New Jersey National Guard Chaplain 1st LT Marquis Strickland, shared his experiences and discussed the importance of faith as a protective factor against suicide. The coalition behind the seminar is committed to continuing their efforts to increase awareness and access to suicide prevention resources for veterans and their families.
If your faith-based community is interested in receiving training or resources on suicide prevention, you can contact [email protected] for more information. The coalition is dedicated to working with community partners to make a difference in the lives of veterans and service members in New Jersey.