Yakima Mom Hosts Suicide Awareness Event Saturday

It's a tragedy when someone takes their own life. This month, September is suicide awareness/prevention month in the State of Washington.

A MOM IN PAIN

A Yakima mother who lost her 8-year-old to suicide is inviting the community to a special event Saturday at Yakima's Randall Park. Shawna Osman spoke to KIT's Good Morning Yakima show on Thursday about the Saturday event from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm on the 44th Avenue side of the park near the duck pond.

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JUST A TIME TO SHARE STORIES

Osman says her son, 8-year-old Collin Osman took his own life 6-years ago after struggling with life and mental issues after being diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She says the event on Saturday isn't a fundraising event, it's not a promotion it's just a personal event Osman family and friends have put together for suicide awareness and mental wellness. The event has been held every year since the tragic death. If you attend you'll meet others who have been through the pain of suicide. The event is free and open to the public.

MANY PEOPLE TAKE THEIR OWN LIVES

Each year an average of 1,200 people take their own lives every year in Washington State. Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there are about 14.9 suicides for every 100,000 people in Washington. They say suicide can be caused by a range of factors. If you are someone you know needs to talk about the challenges of life the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Washington State is 988.

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