American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to Speak at Pittsburgh Business Show

Pittsburgh, PA –  Jennifer Sikora, the Associate Area Director for Western Pennsylvania’s chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), will speak at the upcoming Pittsburgh Business Show about suicide prevention in the workplace.
The Pittsburgh Business Show, a business-to-business trade show being held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Wednesday, April 19 and Thursday, April 20, 2017, features workshops, speakers, and networking events for business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Ms. Sikora’s presentation, titled ‘Talk Saves Lives™ – Suicide Prevention in the Workplace and Communities,’ is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19 on the Main Stage, and tickets can be downloaded here.

Suicide is the number 10 cause of death in the U.S. AFSP is the leading national non-profit organization focusing on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering prevention education and advocacy programs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and supporting those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
“The annual economic impact of suicide in the U.S. is about $44 billion, and with over 44,000 lives lost each year, many people know someone who has died by suicide. It impacts not just families, but workplaces and work colleagues too. We need to change that and help those who struggle find hope and help,” said Sikora. “Suicide is a complex health issue, but as a health issue, it can be prevented.”
The presentation will review suicide statistics; insights from scientific research; understanding about who is at higher risk; observable warning signs; and how to talk to someone about getting help.
Linda Jo Thornberg, president of the Pittsburgh Business Show, said, “Business owners are often customer-facing, which puts them in a position to observe particular warning signs. They are also likely to be involved in the day-to-day lives of their employees. The focus of ‘Talk Saves Lives™’ will help business owners understand and then recognize the opportunities they have as they interact with employees and community members. It’s time to have this important discussion about suicide prevention, and we’re grateful to Jennifer and AFSP for speaking to attendees.”
The goal of the Pittsburgh Business Show is to help build partnerships, bring businesses together for networking, and create new business opportunities for companies. This annual expo will showcase innovative products and services available to companies and entrepreneurs in the Pittsburgh region, while creating a sense of community among businesses in Western Pennsylvania and the tri-state area.
Any individual or company who would like to participate as a sponsor should contact Linda Jo Thornberg at 800-549-4048 or at LindaJo@PittsburghBusinessShow.com for further information.
Visit the Pittsburgh Business Show website at https://www.pittsburghbusinessshow.com to receive free attendee tickets and to register for events, speakers, and seminars at the show on April 19 and 20, 2017.
About AFSP
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. AFSP celebrates 30 years of service to the suicide prevention movement. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.