Community Corner

MetroWest Suicide Prevention Coalition Held Its Inaugural Meeting

Initiatives and strategies to help reduce the incident of suicide and suicidal ideation were discussed. Next meeting is scheduled for July 16.

The inaugural meeting of the Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Coalition – MetroWest Region was held Wednesday, May 14 at The United Way of Tri-County in Framingham. 

More than 30 people actively participated from local agencies and organizations including Advocates, Inc., BayPath Elder Services, Framingham Education Foundation, Framingham Public Schools, MetroWest Healthcare Foundation, Screening for Mental Health, Veterans Services and Ashland Police.

Initiatives and strategies to help reduce the incident of suicide and suicidal ideation were discussed.

The Framingham Patch reported Tuesday that 40% of Framingham Female Teens and 37% of Seniors Say Life is Stressful.

In that report, Patch reported that 6 percent of Framingham High students attempted suicide and 15 percent considered suicide. And 22 percent of Framingham High students, who identify themselves as bisexual, gay or lesbian, considered suicide.

Eileen Davis, chair of the MetroWest Coalition said she is overwhelmed with the community support that came out of this meeting.

The new MetroWest Coalition serves the 30+ communities in the United way of Tri-Country district including Framingham and Ashland, Bellingham, Berlin, Blackstone, Bolton, Clinton, East Walpole, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lancaster, Marlboro, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Millvile, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Southborough, Stow, Walpole, Westborough and Wrentham plus the additional communities of Natick, Sudbury, Wayland, Dover, Sherborn, Needham, Weston, Waltham and Newton.

The Coalition is now creating action items for their next meeting on Wednesday, July 16 at 8 am.  Meetings are held at the United Way of Tri-County – Board Room in Framingham. 

For more information and to join the Regional Coalition please contact Davis at Eileen.davis@uwotc.org or 508-370-4857.


Editor's Note: Originally posted at 12:30 a.m. Updated with the communities the MetroWest coalition serves.


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