Self-harm, Suicide is Topic of Upcoming PeaceHealth Fireside Chat

Thursday, November 10, 4 – 5 p.m., Peace Island Medical Center —

— from Lori Polevoi —

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center’s fall series of Fireside Chats continues on Thursday, November. 10, with the topic “Understanding self-harm and suicide.” The chat, led by Gary Waters, MSW, Ed.S., DBH, is from 4 to 5 p.m. in the medical center’s main lobby. There is no fee to participate.

Self-harm and suicide continue to be a major public health concern and leading cause of injury and death for many health populations, especially in rural areas. Additionally, there are many myths and beliefs about self-harming behaviors and the causes and responses to suicidal thoughts and gestures. This informative and brief presentation will discuss self-harm and suicide from the public health, psychological and medical perspective, as well as provide a broader and more in-depth understanding of their causes, effects and treatments.
Fireside Chats are free community education sessions offered by PeaceHealth Peace Island.

Gary Waters is a behavioral health social worker at PeaceHealth Peace Island. He has experience in educational psychology, clinical social work, family therapy and chemical dependency treatment.

The next Fireside Chat is on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 5 p.m. Topic is “The holidays are crazy: A discussion of feelings and emotions.”