By Outreach Coordinator Cilladean Hopkins

Join the Amador Suicide Prevention Coalition (Amador SPEAKS) for Hope for Tomorrow, a world suicide prevention gathering and resource fair. This is a FREE event happening on September 9th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Sierra Wind Wellness Recovery Center. Come together as a community to raise awareness and support those affected by suicide and self harm. Enjoy free food, an open mic, resources, informative booths, art activities, and guest speaker David Woods Bartley.

September is world suicide prevention month and Hope for Tomorrow is an event produced in partnership with dozens of local service agencies working collectively to prevent suicide and self harm. Since 2018, this group, commonly known as Amador SPEAKS, has worked to raise awareness and promote suicide prevention initiatives in our unique rural community. According to the California Department of Public Health, Amador County ranks second highest in California for suicide. With a suicide rate of 35.5 per 100,000 residents from 2018-2020, preventive action in Amador County is necessary.

Amador County Arts Council is composed of artists and arts lovers who understand the power of the arts when it comes to mental health and wellness. The team at Amador County Arts Council has been engaged in suicide prevention through the arts since 1996. We ask the community to unite to foster hope for a better tomorrow. If you need arts resources to support your wellness practice, please visit us during our drop in hours Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. You can find us inside Registered Historic Site #456 the Sutter Creek Grammar School,110 Broad Street (access via Fullen Street). Amador County Arts Council is always working at the intersection of arts and wellness by providing free art supplies to local youth and by creating opportunities for rural artists of all ages to engage with all types of arts, culture, and creativity.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or self harm, there is hope for tomorrow. Please reach out to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. The Amador County Crisis line is available 24 hours a day at 1-888-310-6555. For more information on the intersection of the arts and mental health, contact Amador County Arts Council at info@amadorarts.org or by phone at 209-256-8166.