International Suicide Loss Survivors Day: Details of the Colorado Springs event

(COLORADO SPRINGS) – Saturday, November 23 is International Suicide Loss Survivors Day, and a local event will be held in Colorado Springs to support the global efforts.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), organizations around the world host in-person events every year for survivors of suicide loss to come together “to find connection, understanding and hope through their shared experiences.”

“In 1999, Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate that led to the creation of International Day of Survivors of Suicide Loss,” according to the AFSP website. “Also known as Survivor Day, the day was designated by the United States Congress as a day for people affected by suicide to come together for healing and support.”

Saturday’s event in Colorado Springs will be held on Woodmen Valley Chapellocated at 290 East Woodmen Road from 10am to 2:30pm. Those planning to attend are asked to register online and can do so using the link above.

The event is free and attendees are asked to park in the lower rear parking lot and enter the building marked gymnasium. People are asked to bring a small photo of their loved ones for a photo button, and a light breakfast and lunch will also be served. Children are welcome, but event organizers say childcare will not be available.

If people can’t attend the in-person events, there are two virtual events that hosts AFSP online; Survivor Day Live and Día De Esperanza (held the day before on November 22).

According to AFSP, “It was determined that Survivor Day would always fall on the Saturday before the American Thanksgiving because the holidays are often a difficult time for survivors of suicide loss.”

The Colorado Springs event is made possible through the sponsorship of AFSP and Heartbeat survivors after suicidea local non-profit organization.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The suicide and crisis line 988 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by telephone, chat or text message. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

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