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Support Group On A Mission To Bring Documentary To Alpena

"Suicide: The Rippling Effect" follows around suicide survivor Kevin Hines as he struggles through mental health and uses his story to help others

Lachine- Suicide has one of the hardest effects on families. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, between six and twenty friends and family members are usually left to pick up the pieces and feel the most pain. The Long Rapids Grief After Suicide Support Group wants to bring a documentary dealing with suicide and mental illness to Alpena. The documentary entitled “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” follows the life of suicide survivor Kevin Hines as he struggles with several mental health issues and uses his own story to help save others. Spearheaded by Licensed Social Worker Amy Will, she believes this film will help break the stigma around suicide and mental health issues.

“Mental health issues and suicide are still taboo in this area and people are afraid of what they don’t understand,” said Will. “I’m really hoping that this documentary film can clear that up for people and show people that there is help available and show people that if you see someone struggling that it’s really okay to reach out and help them.”

Will has felt the effects of suicide first hand and knows the pain of losing a loved one. Her small group invites adults who have lost someone close to suicide. They meet the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. Will sees the lack resources for suicide and mental health as an opportunity to invite documentaries like “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” to help people talk about the issues and know that help is available.

The biggest dilemma the group faces in bringing this documentary to Alpena is the fee and number of attendees. In order to have the film screened at the AMC State Theatre in Downtown Alpena, 50 tickets need to be sold. Right now, folks can purchase a ticket at the website Gathr by clicking here. Tickets are $12. If enough tickets are sold, the showing will be on June 19 at 7:30pm. If not enough tickets are sold, a refund will be issued.

Visit the Long Rapids Suicide Support and Education Facebook Event to reserve tickets, submit questions, etc.