Program uses comedy and real stories to help people fight against suicidal thoughts
By Dominick Philippe-Auguste
Click here for updates on this story
BALTIMORE (WMAR) — A new program in Baltimore County is using comedy and real stories to fight suicidal thoughts.
The Baltimore County Department of Health and the Maryland National Guard hosted “One Degree of Separation,” an event that combines stand-up comedy with mental health first aid education.
“They do a little comedy show. They tell a little bit of their own stories and challenges with depression and suicidal ideation. They come together as a panel and really talk about how we can have conversations about suicide and depression and how we can help each other,” said Susan Starnes, integrated primary prevention program manager with the Maryland National Guard.
An event earlier today was just for military personnel and veterans. However, there is one open to the public tonight from 6 to 8:15 at the Randallstown Community Center off Resource Drive.
Tonight’s event also includes a resource fair and free gun locks for adults.
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WMAR verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.