7th Ann. Just Cares Suicide Awareness and Prevention Candlelight Vigil

Just Cares, Inc. is pleased to announce the “7th Annual Just Cares James Thomas Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week”. As you are aware, suicide is becoming more of a major public health concern. Statistics state that over 49,476 people die by suicide each year in the United States; it is the 11th leading cause of death overall. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but sometimes preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can save lives. We will be educating, acknowledging, and healing with the Lakeland community starting on September 7th thru September 14th, 2024.

First, our goal is to educate the community on September 7th, 2024, at the “7th Annual Just Cares James Thomas Suicide Awareness and Prevention Silent Auction & Dinner”. By understanding the warning signs of suicide and ways to prevent it, we may save lives. Any funds raised will help keep our suicide awareness week, as well as our other programs, events and classes offered by Just Cares FREE to the public.

Next, on September 10th, 2024, at 7:30pm, or sundown, we invite you to a time of healing at our “7th Annual Just Cares James Thomas Suicide Awareness and Prevention Candlelight Vigil”. World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed on September 10th every year, to provide a worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. We will be sending thoughts and prayers to those who have been affected by this serious issue directly or indirectly. We invite everyone to come and light a candle around the Bronze Swan at Lake Mirror, as our community takes a moment to reflect and heal together.

Finally, on September 14th, 2024, at Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland we invite you to our “7th Annual Just Cares James Thomas Suicide Awareness and Prevention Celebration of Life Festival”. We will provide a warm and welcoming environment for families who have endured the loss of a loved one, due to suicide. The event will have information, food, fun and live entertainment for the entire family.

With these events, Just Cares hopes to continue to bring awareness and information to our community, and hopefully prevent more suffering in the future. Some members of the Just Cares family have been touched personally by this tragedy and are standing together to show support. Our goal is to reach 1,000 to 2,000 Lakeland residents through this festival.

Just Cares is really excited about our “7th Annual James Thomas Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week” and we look forward to your involvement in any way. If you would like more information, please e-mail us at justcaresinc@yahoo.com. Thank you again for your support and we look forward to seeing you at “7th Annual James Thomas Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week of 2024”!