The first-ever Cambria County Suicide Prevention Summit took place Thursday morning. Healthcare providers, first responders and community members discussed resources, prevention and education.
Five years ago, Mike Vavrek’s wife, Heather, took her own life because of her battle with drug addiction.
“I was putting it on me and I think a lot of people do that. Her family, my family, we were all saying, ‘What did we do wrong, where did we go wrong?” Vavrek said.
To this day, Vavrek still doesn’t know how to talk about his wife’s death with is son, Mikey, who is now 8-years-old.
“I always just say, ‘Mommy passed away.’ I never explained it to him and I never knew when was a good time to do that,” Vavrek said.
Vavrek attended the summit, which was organized by Cambria County Behavioral Health and Magellan Health. Topics included prevention efforts, resources and how to talk about suicide with children and family.
Event organizers say suicide is an issue that does not discriminate based on race, sex, or socioeconomic status. They also say it affects more than just the lives lost.
“It’s also about offering support and letting families know the support is out there. They’re kind of lost at sea when something like that happens and I think they’re forever changed,” said Tracy Selak, the coordinator for Cambria County Behavioral Health & Intellectual Disabilities & Early Intervention.
A new resource is Magellan Health’s MY LIFE youth program, where kids can talk about issues like mental illness, substance abuse, foster care or juvenile justice.
“The more that we can give them opportunities to share what they’re going through then the better,” said Greg Dicharry, the National Youth Empowerment Director for Magellan Health.
Vavrek said suicide is a difficult conversation to have, but one that could save lives.
“As hard as it is to deal with, it’s also equally important to talk about it,” Vavrek said.
If you or someone you know is dealing with depression or thoughts of suicide, you can call Cambria County’s 24/7 REACH suicide prevention line at: 1-877-268-9463.
You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).