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By Jocelyn Torres, for the SNAP

Stanly County hosted a community forum dedicated to addressing the issues of suicide and mental health on Thursday at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center in Albemarle.
Organized in response to the rising rates of mental health struggles, self-harm and suicide across North Carolina and Stanly County, the event brought together residents, professionals and advocates for an open conversation.
The forum opened with a resource fair, featuring organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and PARTNERS, offering attendees information and resources. Mikayla Williams, a public health educator for Stanly County, and Sasha Bonner welcomed attendees, setting the tone for an evening of education and conversation.
Rev. Bronnie Lennon of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church shared a personal story about her grandson, James Watkins, who died by suicide earlier this year.
Describing James’ infectious smile that “could brighten your day,” she emphasized how “suicide is a silent killer” and urged the community to “check on others, even those who appear to be happy.”
The forum featured a panel moderated by Dr. Kara Finch, dean of public services at Stanly Community College and a certified Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) instructor, the event featured a panel discussion with four experts: Maria Stine, a licensed clinical social worker for Stanly County Schools with almost 20 years of experience; Curtis Parker, minister of Albemarle’s Church of Christ and a retired school social worker and behavioral specialist; Norwood Police Chief James Wilson; and Anjie Vickers, president of the NAMI NC Board of Directors.
Wilson shared that local law enforcement has responded to more than 30 attempted suicides in the past two months.
Panelists highlighted the stigma surrounding mental health as a major barrier to seeking help. Anjie Vickers emphasized the need for “reducing stigma and creating spaces for healthy conversations.”
Stine pointed out that social media is contributing to heightened insecurity among youth, advocating for open discussions about mental health starting at the elementary level.
“Suicide and mental illness do not discriminate,” said Vickers, urging leaders to prioritize education and support for mental health resources.
Parker echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of education in combating stigma.
Wilson noted increased crisis intervention training for law enforcement. Stine highlighted teletherapy programs in schools that allow parents, children and facilitators to connect with mental health professionals via video calls.
Throughout the event, participants stressed the importance of discussing suicide openly, acknowledging that it remains a serious issue affecting both the state and local community.
Audience member Kelsie Sellers, a vocational specialist at Monarch, called for more youth involvement in these conversations, expressing the importance of committing to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Finch closed the event by urging attendees to participate in QPR training, a free program designed to equip individuals with skills to help someone in crisis. The training, which takes less than two hours to complete and is available online or in-person, could save lives. More information about upcoming training sessions can be found through Stanly County Partners in Health’s Facebook page.
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, seek help by calling or texting 988, or visit www.988lifeline.org for support.