850 PEOPLE A YEAR DIE BY SUICIDE IN GEORGIA;
MORE SUICIDES THAN HOMICIDES

From the depths of depression and the brink of self-destruction rises a treasured humorist. Listen to Art Buchwald's unique perspective.

THERE IS HEALING

A powerful and successful business executive publicly shares the challenge of admitting he has depression. Learn from Larry Gellerstedt's personal triumph.

AND THERE IS HOPE

Suicide among U.S. Air Force pilots is down 78% over the last three years thanks to a pro-active and sensitive approach. Hear about Col. David Litts' successful program. -------
On May 21, The Carter Center hosts the seventh annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, Georgia Suicide Prevention: Healing and Hope. Suicide in Georgia is the ninth leading cause of death among state residents of all ages and officials say this presents a serious public health problem. In fact, among Georgia's young people, ages 15-24, suicide is the third leading cause of death. Each year, about 17,000 Georgians seek emergency care for injuries related to suicide attempts. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will host the event, which includes the unveiling of Georgia's first statewide suicide prevention plan that explores the scope of the problem, risk factors, warning signs, and prevention concepts. "Suicide is a most unnecessary tragedy. Georgia is one of the first states to implement a strategy plan for suicide prevention, and we are making strides in reaching those who desperately need help," Mrs. Carter said.

The forum will feature a keynote address from Mark Rosenberg, M.D., M.P.P., executive director of The Task Force for Child Survival and Development. Also, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and professional humorist Art Buchwald will discuss how the "black pit" of his depression nearly resulted in suicide. Buchwald quips: "I'll admit that I thought of killing myself, but I was afraid I wouldn't make it into The New York Times obituaries." Buchwald also notes with sincerity that without adequate hospital care, he might not have survived. Experts from several Georgia state agencies who have studied the problem will offer prevention ideas.

The forum also will cover the personal story of Iris Bolton, whose son Mitch took his own life in 1977 at the age of 20. Bolton has authored My Son...My Son, a Guide to Healing After Death, Loss, or Suicide. She is executive director of The Link Counseling Center's National Resource Center for Suicide Prevention and Aftercare and founder of the Survivors of Suicide Support Groups in metro Atlanta. Experts from the U.S. Air Force and elsewhere also will reflect on the best practices for stemming the suicide rate. President and Chief Operating Officer of The Integral Group, Larry Gellerstedt III, will share his personal story of the challenges faced by those within the business community.

The forum is co-sponsored by The Carter Center Mental Health Program, Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Georgia Parent Support Network, National Mental Health Association of Georgia, and the Georgia chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. A detailed agenda of the day's events is attached for your consideration.

The nonprofit, nongovernmental Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. In partnership with Emory University, the Center works to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope for millions of people around the world.

Please call 404-420-5107 or email for credentialing information by May 20.

To learn more about The Carter Center Mental Health Program, please visit: Mental Health