Suicide support meeting tonight in Des Plaines

Maine Township’s Joint Community Resource and Response Team is sponsoring a drop-in informational suicide support meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Thursday, for community members in Room 102 of Des Plaines City Hall, 1420 Miner St. The open house is being held in response to the recent suicide of a Maine West High School student, and in preparation for the upcoming wake and funeral services. The meeting will address issues such as counseling young people about dealing with the unexpected death of a friend; preparing children for a wake; suicide warning signs; how to help your child cope with the pressures of life; and indications that a child may need professional help to cope. Professionals will answer questions and respond to concerns. For information, email Vickie Poklop, Des Plaines police counselor, at vpoklop@desplaines.org.