During a recent government meeting in Wake County, a poignant proclamation ceremony was held to address the critical issue of suicide prevention. Larry Bernstein, head of the Triangle Survivors of Suicide support group, spoke passionately about the importance of community involvement in preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it.

Bernstein, who founded the Raleigh group after the tragic loss of his son Michael to suicide 32 years ago, emphasized that their support group is one of the few in the nation that meets weekly, providing a vital resource for individuals grappling with similar losses. He highlighted the group's dual mission: to offer support to survivors and to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

In his address, Bernstein shared a powerful message: \"Suicide prevention is absolutely everyone's responsibility.\" He recounted the story of Kevin Hines, a survivor of a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge, who noted that a simple act of kindness or concern from a passerby could have changed his fate. Bernstein urged attendees to become that person who reaches out and offers support to those in distress.

The meeting underscored the community's commitment to addressing mental health issues and fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help. The proclamation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of collective action in preventing suicide.