(CENTREVILLE) – Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Michigan residents ages 15 to 34.

In response to this epidemic, the Community Suicide Prevention Network of St. Joseph County is organized and ready to accept funds for programming in public schools. The St. Joseph County United Way will be the fiduciary agent to direct money to programs in local school districts for suicide awareness. The goal is to raise $50,000.

United Way Executive Director Kelly Hostetler says her Board is stepping up to help with this epidemic. She says the hope is to collect enough money to fund a conference in November, as well as funding one program in each school district in the county.

According to the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, on average, one person dies by suicide every six hours in Michigan. More than four times as many people died by suicide in Michigan in 2017 than in alcohol related motor vehicle accidents.

Kevin Kane, a family court liaison in St. Joseph County, put a call out for local professionals to help develop a program for the schools to add another voice telling our students of their value. Group members who responded are from the Probate Court, emergency personnel, Community Mental Health, area physicians, Youth For Christ, the school districts and the St. Joseph County ISD.

To give to the Teen Suicide Prevention Program, you can send donations to the St. Joseph County United Way, and tag it for Teen Suicide Prevention. For more information, you can contact the United Way by calling 269-467-9099.