The facts: Older adults are more at risk than any other population to die from suicide. Every three days, Virginia loses a senior to suicide. Even though older adults comprise only 11 percent of the population, they account for 21 percent of suicides. That’s why the city’s Department of Human Services developed COPES (Coalition of Preventing Elder Suicide).

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, COPES will present an educational forum about how to recognize warning signs and prevent suicide in older adults. The forum will take place at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Individuals can register by calling 390-1367 or by e-mailing lsdavis@VBgov.com prior to Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Event speakers include: Dr. Paul Speigel, associate professor with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Christy Letsom with The Planning Council’s crisis line.

For more information, call 437-3537.

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