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On October 17, 2009, a conference addressing the stigma of suicide and how community partners can work together to turn around society’s view toward suicide will be held at Dominican University in River Forest.

The event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Catholic Charities’ Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Program, the Stauros Center for Compassion and Healing, The Archdiocese of Chicago, Alexian Brothers Hospital Network, Loyola University Chicago and Dominican University.

“In our work we see that there is still a societal view that suicide carries blame and stigma in a family,” said Father Charles Rubey, founder and director of Catholic Charities’ LOSS Program. “We want people to feel free to talk about their suicidal thoughts and intentions and not fear repercussions. The earlier we can detect these suicidal thoughts or intentions, the more we can help those in danger.”

At the "Addressing the Stigma of Suicide" conference, attendees can learn from those who have experienced suicide in their families and from the scientific community who can help change society’s view towards suicide. The conference will be of particular interest to clinicians, pastoral ministers, school counselors, social workers, and survivors.

The conference will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at the Dominican University Priory. The Dominican University Priory is located at 7200 Division Street in River Forest, Illinois. The cost of the conference is $75.00 including lunch. For information on how to register, please email dickeyservices@hotmail.com.

Keynote Speakers for the conference will include:
• Kevin Roy of ABC 7 WLS-TV, Winner of a Best News Series Emmy in 2001 for "A Son of Suicide," which explored his family's experience after the suicide of his mother, Diane Marcus Roy. In 2007, Roy received a Fellowship with the Carter Center in Atlanta for Mental Health Journalism.
• Dr. David C. Clark, PHD - Assistant Dean, Medical College, Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, Winner of the Edwin Shneidman Award from the American Association of Suicidology for outstanding contributions in research to the field of suicide studies.
Additional Presentations by:
• Father Charles T. Rubey - Catholic Charities LOSS (Loving Outreach to Suicide Survivors)
• Dr. Mary Stimming - Dominican University Department of Theology
• Dr. Cheryl Hazek - Alexian Brothers Interfaith Parish Support
• Mariann Blacconiere, LCSW - Hines VA Hospital

For more information about Catholic Charities’ LOSS Program please visit www.catholiccharities.net/loss.

Interested in registering for the Oct. 17 seminar in River Forest. Please send me the necessary information regarding the class.


Thank You,
Ronnie Cagney