Sydney Friedt, Halli Lysne, Haley Wolfe, Sierra Friedt, Larissa Larson, Savanna Friedt

CARRINGTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – On Thursday, July 23rd, The Healthy Communities Coalition along with the Carrington Youth Center and Carrington Pool hosted a teen night for the young adults in Carrington and the surrounding communities.

Suicide, The Ripple Effect a film and a movement for hope and healing was shown.

Forty-two young adults attended the film and discussion lead by family members with lived experience. Discussion leaders included, Julie Pate, Karen Omoth, and Miss North Dakota, Haley Wolfe. Julie, Karen, and Haley shared their stories about loved ones who had died by suicide. Haley Wolfe, Miss North Dakota, also spoke about her suicide prevention platform Be The 1 To. The young adults were able to ask questions and to speak open and honestly with all the discussion leaders.

After the film and discussion, many young adults and speakers visited informally in the commons area at the Youth Center and took some time for companionship and comfort.

Several young adults moved on to the Carrington Pool for free refreshments and joined another mix of teens and to spend some time for friendship and fun. This event was also a great healthy alternative to participating in risky behavior. Building skills around mental and physical health enhance protective factors for young adults to help develop skills to work through difficult situations. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

This event is planned again for Thursday August 6th, 2020. Event organizers ask young adults to bring masks/face coverings and to sit every other seat in the theater.

Speakers on August 6th will be Julie Pate, Karen Omoth, Karen Neumiller, and Miss North Dakota, Haley Wolfe.