'Suicide: The Ripple Effect' documentary to be shown March 20

The McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force will host a screening of the 2018 documentary "Suicide: The Ripple Effect" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at Regal Crystal Lake Showplace Stadium 16, 5000 Northwest Hwy.

This film is part of a global mission to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts around the world. In the U.S., there are 1 million suicide attempts each year and more than 40,000 deaths by suicide. Locally, there were more suicides in McHenry County in 2017 than in any year in the past decade.

"This screening in Crystal Lake is a great opportunity for community members to learn about how suicide affects us all and to spread the message of hope," said Jenn Balleto, behavioral health community navigator at Centegra Health System, who also facilitates the Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group. "There are resources available right here in McHenry County to provide support, education and intervention."

"Suicide: The Ripple Effect" follows the journey of Kevin Hines as he strives to understand the effects his suicide attempt had on his family, friends and the first responders who helped save him. This documentary also highlights the people and groups who are using their personal pain to help others heal.

Tickets for this screening are available online at gathr.us/screening/22402.

In McHenry County, the Crisis Line offers help to people with intense personal, family or marital problems 24 hours a day at (800) 892-8900. Nationally, help is available by calling 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (273-8255).