9th Annual Conference: Hope and Healing: Faith Communities and the Suicide Crisis 

Held on April 5, 2019, the annual conference hosted about 250 individuals who learned various aspects of the suicide crisis.  More Pictures
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​                      Intentional and Faith-Filled Suicide Prevention - Rachael Keefe
AFSP North Carolina
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        Incarceration, Mental Illness, and the Risk of Suicide - Joseph Williams
Building Resilient Communities - John Oliver
​Suicide rates across our nation are increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our state and nation are experiencing an increased incidence of suicide. In 2016, 45,000 suicides were reported throughout our nation. An increase of up to 58% was found in some states and only one state had a decrease of 1% in suicides between 2014-2016. 

Faith Connections on Mental Illness is sponsoring the 9th annual conference about our faith communities’ responses to the suicide crisis.
  • This conversation will be initiated by The Rev. Rachel Keefe, who will present how faith communities can respond morally and ethically to this mental health challenge. Rev. Keefe’s book, “The Lifesaving Church: Faith Communities and Suicide Prevention” will be featured.
  • Betsy Rhodes will highlight how faith communities can offer hope to those living with suicidal thoughts.
  • Dr. Joseph Williams will discuss the mental health issues facing those incarcerated in our local jails and prisons, including suicide.
  • Rev. John P. Oliver will present methods and challenges for engaging clergy to foster mental health resiliency for our faith communities.
  • The last session of the conference will consist of a panel discussion based on the experiences of the four main speakers.