Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 1-26-16 Edition

Local
Suicide Training And Awareness Bill Becomes Law
Shown in this photograph from left to right are: Ms. Betsey Westuba, President of the Florida Suicide Pre- vention Coalition Task Force, Senator John Legg, and Ms. Vanessa Johnson, CEO and Founder of Blue Moon, Inc.
Krunk For Christ Annual Dinner Celebration
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
In 2013, Ms. Vanessa Johnson introduced Blue Moon 211 Suicide Awareness Prevention to the Tampa community. Since that time, she has tirelessly worked to make others aware of the rate of suicide in our com- munity.
Last week, her efforts proved successful with the passage of Senate Bill 884. The bill required that the Florida Department of Edu- cation incorporate two hours of training in youth suicide awareness and prevention. It will also require consulta- tions with the Statewide Of- fice for Suicide Prevention and experts to develop a list of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training material.
The bill goes into effect on July 1, 2016.
Ms. Johnson said, “Florida was 1 of only 9 states that did not mandate this training.”
On January 16th, which is designated as State Capital Suicide Prevention Day, Ms. Johnson visited Tallahas- see to advocate for the bill.
According to Ms. John- son, information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) stated that 42,773 sui- cides were reported, making suicide the 10th leading cause of deaths for Americans. The statistics were based on data from 2014, the most recent data available.
Since embarking on bringing attention to suicide awareness, Ms. Johnson has met with elected officials on a local, state, and national level to deliver her message.
Hosting various events in the community, Ms. John- son seeks to create an envi- ronment where those in need can obtain information to help them.
Some of the issues that may cause a person to be- come suicidal includes de- pression, job or financial loss, loss of relationships, bullying, or physical illness.
She encourages others to look for warning signs of sui- cide such as serious depres- sion, increased alcohol or drug use, taking unnecessary risks, or threats of suicide.
A native of Tampa, Ms. Johnson is a graduate of Tampa Technical High School. She earned her de- gree from the University of Tampa with a double major in Sociology and Psychology.
For additional informa- tion about Blue Moon 211, Inc., visit the website at www.bluemoon211.com.
Attendingtheeventwere:J.Jordan,K. Correa, and J. Mitchell.
In line with the holiday sea- son, Krunk For Christ hosted their annual Christmas Dinner and Toy Giveaway celebration. The event was held at the Ragan Park Community Cen- ter.
The Krunk For Christ Com- mittee members are: Tonya Lavender, Coach John Brooks, Bishop Michelle B. Patty, Deacon Jesse Patty, Sherie Benson, Dorthey Mobley, and Carolyn Brooks. (PHOTOS BY JULIA JACKSON)
KRUNK FOR CHRIST COMMITTEE MEMBERS
From left to right: D. Fountain, M.
Thomas, A. Fields, W. Jenkins, M. Wil- Foston, K. Foston, D. Byrd, J. Miley, L.
son, E. Jackson, and L. Myles.
Attending the event were: Leara Fields, Larresa Fields, Michele Holloway, Katrice Benson, L. Chambers, A. Miller, and N. Chambers. Second row: Peyton James, Jr., Mark Benson, Destani Kelly, and Jaylen Patty.
Parents attending the event were: W. Mitchell, S. Foston, K. Foston, L. Correa, L. Jordan, E. Best, C. Lee, and D. Mitchell.
Signing in parents, children, and guests were: Mr. and Mrs. James (Sheilah) Youngblood.
MEN OF HARMONY
PAGE 10 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016