CLEVELAND — Efforts to prevent teenagers from committing suicide are increasing in Northeast Ohio.
“It just changed my life,” explains 26-year-old Jordyn Wright.
“I think that opportunity to give back from even a place where I didn’t know I had to give from helped me heal and reach out to so many other people."
Wright was first introduced to the non-profit ‘Alive on Purpose’ when she was 18; prior to that she had attempted suicide three times.
The organization works in areas of suicide prevention, grief support and character development, tackling issues before suicide is even a question.
Wright is a facilitator for an after school program called ‘Girls Alive’ that targets Cleveland Metropolitan School District students, giving them a safe place to express themselves.
“Most people do reach out, most people will say something to someone at some point but someone has to be willing to hear and know that that’s what’s being said and not take it as a joke,” she says.
A new study found suicide rates jumped to a 19-year-high in the month following the release of the popular Netflix show ’13 Reasons Why.’
According to an Associated Press article, the company “noted that the new study conflicts with University of Pennsylvania research published last week that found fewer suicidal thoughts among young adults who watched the entire second season than among non-viewers.”
LifeAct also works in the area of teen suicide prevention. The organization “teaches students to recognize the warning signs of depression and suicidal behavior.”
The program has been presented in more than 200 schools in Ohio.
Sunday supporters are gathering at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for the 15th Annual ‘Into the Light Walk” with the goal of preventing suicide one step at a time.
“You have a purpose, you belong here,” says Wright.
“You’re alive for a reason. That is something I think everyone needs to know, no matter how old you are, how young you are.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255.