Ocala, Fla. — In an effort to help adults better understand issues affecting the mental health of our community’s youth, BRAZEN, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s risk-avoidance team, is inviting local parents and guardians to a vital and potentially life-saving event. 

BRAZEN is hosting a free dinner workshop featuring Joshua Wayne, a nationally certified counselor who has spent more than two decades working with troubled young people. 

The event will be held 5:30–7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at One Health Center, 1714 SW 17^th St., Ocala. 

BRAZEN urges parents, guardians, and adults who are routinely involved in the lives of teenagers, such as teachers and athletic coaches, to take advantage of this opportunity. 

Wayne will discuss factors that adversely affect the mental health and well-being of youth, including those that can lead them to consider taking their own lives, a timely topic since September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 

The community has much at stake on this particular issue. 

According to Florida Department of Health data, Marion County’s rate of hospitalizations for “self-harm” injuries among teenagers far outpaces that of the state. 

Marion County reported 85.5 such hospitalizations per 100,000 residents for youth between 12 and 18 from 2018 through 2020. That was 27% higher than the 67.4 recorded statewide over the same period. 

Between 2018 and 2020, Marion County reported 12 suicides among youth 12 to 18. That equated to 15.3 per 100,000 residents — more than double the state’s rate. 

DOH-Marion seeks to reduce these alarming numbers by educating parents and other adults to be alert to signs a teenager is struggling, and might be pondering suicide, and to offer guidance on how to find help.

Wayne, our featured speaker, has worked with youth in a variety of professional settings.

They include counseling at-risk youth in drug and alcohol treatment programs, foster care systems, community mental health facilities, and in his own private practice. He also once worked as the director of Special Education for the District of Columbia Public Schools in Washington.

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. To register, or for more information, please call 352-644-2687. 

Remember, it is a myth that talking with someone about suicide will lead them to actually do it. Not talking to them may led to a worse outcome. And if you suspect that someone — youth or adult — may need help, suggest they call or text 988, the new National Suicide and Crisis Hotline. 

About the Florida Department of Health 

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.