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

A special event Saturday hopes to bring more attention to this situation and equip people to be more aware of those who may need some help.

The St. Joseph County United Way is hosting their second I Belong Summit. United Way Executive Director Kelly Hostetler shares where the idea for this summit came from. LINKC.

Hostetler says Kevin Kane, who was at that time a referee in St. Joseph County Probate Court, was also at the funeral and afterwards came he her office and asked what can be done. She says Kane went back to his office and immediately sent an email to many community leaders asking for participation on a suicide prevention task force.

That task force was behind the first I Belong Summit in January of 2020.

Saturday's event is being held at Glen Oaks Community College, and will feature keynote speaker Nathan Harmon, who was also the speaker for the first summit. Hostetler shares what will be happening on Saturday. LINKD.

Check in is at 8 AM with Harmon starting at 9 AM.

If you would like to attend, please call the St. Joseph County United Way office at 269-467-9099. There is no cost for the summit, but the group would like to have an estimate to make sure they have enough lunches for everyone.