AdEase to Attend San Diego Suicide Prevention Forum

Every so often, in Advertising, you get to say “I made a difference.” But, how often can you say that the work you do just may save lives?

AdEase has managed several suicide prevention campaigns over the past few years, including the San Diego and Riverside Counties’ It’s Up to Us campaigns and the soon to be launched statewide suicide prevention social marketing campaign, and it is an important issue that is near and dear to our hearts. We are passionate about the fact that the work that we do has the potential to help save a life. As part of several activities happening this week for Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, AdEase will be attending the San Diego Suicide Prevention Media Forum, sponsored by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, and funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Prop 63.

Every day in San Diego County, someone dies by suicide. High profile suicidal events or individuals who die by suicide, such as Junior Seau, often result in increased news coverage. Research from around the world shows that “suicide contagion” can occur when exposure to a suicide or suicidal behavior influences others to attempt suicide. Some characteristics of news coverage may contribute to contagion, while other characteristics can encourage help seeking and educate the public about what to do. This event is designed to teach our local media how they can positively influence our community through their reporting on suicide.

The San Diego Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists joins the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council to host this important educational event and members of print, broadcast, internet, and radio media, including reporters, editors, managers, and producers will be in attendance. Those who may be interviewed by the media on suicide, such as public information officers, first responders, and mental health professionals, Journalism students, journal and press club members are also encouraged to attend.

We look forward to participating in tonight’s event and helping to spread the word about how we all have the power to save a life.

Sherry LeCocq
Public Relations Account Manager
Mood: Empowered